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Performance Evaluation

The AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) for Occupational Therapy Students (2020) is designed to:

  • Measure entry-level competency of the occupational therapy student.
  • Differentiate between competent and incompetent student performance.
  • Assess the student’s performance on established learning objectives for placement.

The FWPE form evaluates the student’s ability to carry out the occupational therapy process. It consists of 37 performance items organized into 6 major competency areas:

  1. Fundamentals of Practice
  2. Basic Tenets of Practice
  3. Screening & Evaluation
  4. Intervention
  5. Management of OT Services
  6. Communication and Professional Behaviors

Rating Scale

A four-point scale is used to describe competence:

  • 4 – Exemplary Performance: Consistently demonstrates competence; shows substantial breadth, depth, and skillful application of knowledge.
  • 3 – Proficient Performance: Demonstrates satisfactory competence; shows adequate understanding and application of knowledge and skills.
  • 2 – Emerging Performance: Demonstrates limited or inconsistent competence; shows gaps or inaccuracies in understanding or skill application.
  • 1 – Unsatisfactory Performance: Fails to demonstrate competence; performs inappropriately; shows significant gaps and inaccuracies.

⚠️ All items must be scored by the supervisor.

Passing Criteria

  • A score of 3 or higher is required on all Fundamentals of Practice items (Safety & Ethics).
  • A score of 1 on any item automatically results in a Fail on the final FWPE.
  • A minimum sum score of 111 is required to receive a Pass on the final FWPE.

Self-Evaluation & Review Process

  • Students are expected to complete a self-evaluation at both midterm and final.
  • After the FWPE is completed, the supervisor and student must meet to review both the self-evaluation and the supervisor’s evaluation.
  • The student and supervisor must sign the completed form.

Program Requirement

The University of South Alabama OT program requires that both midterm and final FWPEs be completed for all Level II fieldwork students.