MC-1 Health Equity
Summative Assessment Example: Short Essay
Assignment Instructions
Students should select three of five questions below and write a short essay response for each question (2-3 paragraphs or 1 page single spaced). See grading rubric for guidance on composition, including expectations for incorporating and citing information from sources relevant to the prompt chosen.
- Discuss the concept of health equity. Provide examples of how mental health disparities can be addressed through health equity approaches.
- Identify and explain one social determinant of health that significantly impacts mental health outcomes. How can mental health professionals advocate for policies that address this determinant?
- Examine the role of socioeconomic status in shaping mental health outcomes. How can mental health interventions be tailored to address the specific needs of individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds?
- Analyze the impact of racial and ethnic disparities on mental health care access and treatment. What are some strategies mental health professionals can use to promote cultural competence and reduce these disparities in practice?
- How does the built environment (e.g., housing, neighborhood safety, access to green spaces) influence mental health? Discuss how improving these environmental factors can contribute to better mental health outcomes in underserved communities.
Guidance for Instructor
Verify that the curriculum reviews key concepts in health equity and provides activities that reinforce learning prior to administering the summative assessment. This assessment may be adapted from written to oral response via video assignment posted in the LMS. In these instances, a time limit on speaking is recommended to guide the student on length appropriate to their individual context. Use the criteria provided in the grading rubric below to assess each skill.
Grading Rubric
| Skill being assessed | Criteria | Score | Comments | |||
| 1 Needs Work | 2 Beginning | 3 Developing Proficiency | 4 Proficient (for a BHSS student) | |||
| Understanding of Health Equity | – Does not demonstrate understanding of health equity or impact of social determinants on mental health | – Provides some understanding of health equity and struggles to explain relationship between health equity and mental health | – Correctly identifies health equity concerns – Begins to establish relationship between health equity and mental health | – Demonstrates clear and accurate understanding of health equity – Provides comprehensive explanation of relationship between health equity and mental health | ||
| Use of Evidence | – No support from literature related to ideas or concepts presented | – Attempts to reference literature by citing one source | – Cites at least two sources in response – Attempts to follow APA 6th edition reference style | – Cites three or more valid sources to support ideas – Demonstrated ability to integrate research citations into rationale | ||
| Clarity, Organization, and Writing Style | – Stream of ideas with no structure – Significant punctuation, spelling, or grammar issues | – Attempts to structure ideas with rough transitions between sentences or paragraphs – Makes several spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors | – Well-structured essay with rough transitions – Makes a few spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors | – Well-structured ideas with logical presentation and clear transition between ideas – Less than one spelling, grammar, or punctuation error | ||
| Critical Thinking and Reflection | – Writing represents a personally biased viewpoint with no reflection on literature | – Writing attempts to examine different viewpoints with some evidence of personal bias | – Demonstrates critical thinking and reflection with some attempt at exploring strategies to address inequities | – Demonstrates critical thinking by examining different perspectives – Offers strategies to overcome challenges | ||