Assessment of Student Learning

Fall 2004 talking points

Kansas State University
Focused Visit by the North Central Association
Assessment of Student Learning
February 21-22, 2005

What NCA found in 2001 (from HLC, Report of Comprehensive Evaluation Visit, 2001):

  • There is not presently a coherent, widespread understanding that the purpose of assessment is the continuous improvement of student learning;
  • Moreover, there is not agreement about the types of information that constitute an effective outcomes assessment strategy;
  • as a result, the ability to develop effective assessment plans and programs is limited;
  • Faculty ownership of assessment in academic programs has not developed consistently across campus, and;
  • assessment in graduate education has not begun;
  • No plans have been made to assess the effectiveness and equivalency of student learning in distance learning programs;
  • Students have not participated in the development or implementation of the University's assessment program.

What NCA will see in 2005 :

  • Faculty who have attended training sessions and workshops to learn about assessment measures, assessment plans, and how to use assessment to improve student learning.
  • Many administrators and faculty members can have a coherent conversation about the importance of assessment to the continuous improvement of student learning.
  • University undergraduate and graduate student learning outcomes have been established.
  • Most degree programs have identified student learning outcomes for each of their degree programs.
  • Departments have submitted three-year plans for the assessment of student learning in each of their degree programs. These plans include strategies for using assessment results to improve student learning.
  • An Assessment Review Committee has been established in each college to monitor the progress of departments in developing assessment plans.
  • An Assessment Facilitation Committee at the university level has been formed that will work to sustain and build on our progress to date.
  • Conversations are underway related to the assessment of student learning in distance learning programs and in distance courses within on-campus degree programs.
  • Undergraduate and graduate students are involved in many aspects of assessment of student learning across campus, for instance they serve on departmental advisory committees, on curriculum committees, on the NCA self-study committee, and provide input via senior exit surveys.

REVIEW NOW: Lopez, C. "A Decade of Assessing Student Learning: What We Have Learned and What is Next" and "9 Principles of Good Practice for Assessing Student Learning"

The self-study report for the focused visit will be available for feedback from the campus community from November 17 to December 3 on the Office of Assessment web site: www.k-state.edu/assessment/

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