Curriculum Evidence Checklist

Purpose and scope

This checklist helps institutions, leaders and quality stakeholders compile and present documentary curriculum evidence. It is intended for use in internal quality assurance, periodic review, and any institutional review by an independent theological accreditation body such as ITAA. It focuses on programme-level and institutional-level evidence required to demonstrate coherent curriculum design, learning outcomes, assessment, resourcing and governance.

Core evidence checklist (must have)

1. Programme specification: programme title, level, mode, credit/length and approved curriculum map linking modules to programme learning outcomes. (Evidence: approved programme specification document, curriculum map).
2. Learning outcomes: clear, measurable outcomes at programme and module level, aligned to assessment. (Evidence: learning-outcomes matrix).
3. Assessment strategy: description of assessment types, marking criteria, moderation and feedback processes. (Evidence: assessment policy, sample rubrics, moderated sample scripts).
4. Module guides and syllabuses: weekly topics, readings, learning activities and assessment briefs. (Evidence: module guides for each unit).
5. Academic oversight: evidence of academic approval, review minutes, and external examiner or reviewer reports where used. (Evidence: academic board minutes, external review reports).
6. Qualification award and certification policy: rules for awarding credit, progression, integrity (plagiarism, appeals). (Evidence: certification policy, academic regulations).
7. Teaching staff CVs and qualifications: evidence staff are appropriately qualified and supported. (Evidence: staff CVs, role descriptions, professional development records).
8. Learning resources: library, digital resources, reading lists and learning platform access. (Evidence: reading lists, LMS access reports, library holdings summary).
9. Student support and formation: pastoral, academic support and spiritual-formation activities. (Evidence: student handbook, formation programme outline).

Supplementary evidence (recommended)

• Sample assessed work and marking feedback (anonymised).
• Graduate destinations or ministry engagement summaries.
• Programme-level monitoring reports and action plans showing continuous improvement.
• Student feedback data and responses, plus evaluation summaries.
• Teaching observation records and staff development logs.

How to present evidence for review

Organise materials by programme and by evidence type. Provide a short cover summary that lists each item and where it is stored. Cross-reference any claims in public-facing materials (prospectus, website) to the underlying evidence. Ensure all documents are current and dated; retain version control and approval records.

Common documentary weaknesses to avoid

• Unlinked learning outcomes and assessments (no mapping).
• Outdated module guides or missing approval records.
• Insufficient evidence of academic oversight or moderation.
• Staff records lacking clear role descriptions or qualification verification.
• Public claims about programme status that are not supported by documentation.

Practical checklist (one-page summary)

1. Approved programme specification and curriculum map.
2. Module guides and assessment briefs for every unit.
3. Assessment policy, moderation records and sample marked work.
4. Academic board minutes and approval records.
5. Staff CVs, job descriptions and CPD evidence.
6. Student handbook, support and formation policies.
7. Library/LMS resource list and access evidence.
8. Student feedback reports and continuous improvement plans.

ITAA’s role in curriculum evidence review

ITAA assesses curriculum evidence to determine institutional maturity against standards and to support student protection and transparency. ITAA applies the principles of non-governmental accreditation and evaluates whether documented systems consistently deliver the stated learning outcomes and assessment integrity. The following locked statements govern ITAA’s role and must be observed verbatim in institutional claims:

• ITAA is a private theological accreditation agency.
• ITAA is not a governmental accreditation authority.
• ITAA accreditation never overrides local law.
• Institutions remain solely responsible for compliance with all applicable national, state or provincial, regional, and local laws.
• ITAA does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers.
• Accreditation status does not replace governmental recognition where required.
• Institutional rankings measure the maturity of systems and governance, not the value of a ministry, spiritual calling, ministry effectiveness, or God’s favour.

Next steps for institutions

Use this checklist as part of internal audit and the evidence bundle for any external review. Update public-facing information to match documented evidence. If you intend to apply to ITAA, ensure your evidence demonstrates stable academic oversight, assessment integrity and student support. For procedural details, see ITAA Process & Requirements and Standards pages.