View source for Planning Matrix Template

= Build a Program / Unit Planning & Assessment Matrix =

This page describes how to build a planning matrix specifically for '''Program and Unit Planning & Assessment'''.  
It builds on the standard matrix creation process and adds additional structure required for planning and assessment.

== Before you begin ==

If you have not already created a basic matrix, review the general matrix setup process first:

* [https://help.rcampus.com/index.php/Build_Matrix Build Matrix]

That page covers how to create a matrix, define rows and columns, and configure basic cell settings.

== Program and Unit Planning & Assessment matrices ==

A Program or Unit Planning & Assessment matrix uses the same matrix structure, with one key difference:

* One or more cells must be set to the '''Plan''' [[Matrix Cell Types|cell type]]
* Plan cells contain a hierarchy of '''sub-cells''' used to capture planning and assessment data

This hierarchy allows programs and units to document goals, objectives or outcomes, and planned actions in a structured way.

== Using Plan cells ==

When building your matrix, identify the cell or cells that will contain planning information and set their '''[[Matrix Cell Types|Cell Type]]''' to '''Plan'''.

Plan cells support multiple levels of sub-cells.

=== Plan sub-cell hierarchy ===

Within each Plan cell, sub-cells must be organized in the following hierarchy:

* '''Plan'''
** '''Goal'''
*** '''Objective''' or '''Outcome'''
**** '''Action'''

This hierarchy allows programs and units to:

* Define high-level goals
* Break goals into specific objectives or outcomes
* Identify actions that support improvement or change

== Adding sub-cells ==

To add sub-cells to a Plan cell:

# Open the settings for the Plan cell
# Click the '''+''' button at the top of the cell settings screen
# Select the sub-cell [[Matrix Cell Types|type]] to add (Goal, Objective, Outcome, or Action)
# Continue adding sub-cells to build the required hierarchy

== Making sub-cells repeatable ==

For Program and Unit Planning & Assessment, sub-cells must be configured as '''repeatable''' so programs and units can enter multiple goals, objectives, and actions.

When adding a sub-cell:

# In the sub-cell settings, locate the checkbox '''Sub-cell is repeatable'''
# Check this box
# Save the sub-cell settings

Repeatable sub-cells allow users to add as many entries as needed during data entry.

=== Recommended repeatable sub-cells ===

The following sub-cells should be set as repeatable:

* '''Goal'''
* '''Objective''' and/or '''Outcome'''
* '''Action'''

If sub-cells are not repeatable, programs and units will be limited to a single entry at that level.

== Design tips ==

* Not every Plan cell needs to include goals, objectives, or actions
* Program assessments use '''Outcomes''', while Unit assessments use '''Objectives''' automatically.
* Keep the matrix structure consistent across programs and units to support reporting and review

Once the matrix structure is complete, it can be used to create Matrix assessments for a specific planning and assessment cycle.