Program Assessment FAQs

Should all program goals be assessed every year?

At least one program goal should be assessed each year with the expectation that all program goals will be assessed in a five-year cycle. 

Can we change our learning outcomes/goals?

Yes.  If the program finds that the original goal was not specific enough or did not get at the issues of concern you may change them.  The program also may change goals at the end of the five-year cycle to explore other important outcomes.  If the program changes goals within a five-year cycle,  the change should be noted in TaskStream in the next assessment report.

Can we change our assessment strategies?

Yes.  Sometimes the program will find that the strategy does not get at the heart of the learning outcome.  Just record the changed outcome in TaskStream in the next annual reporting cycle.

How many learning outcomes/goals does the program need to have?

It will vary.  Some programs  have as few as three to five and others may have ten or more.  No matter the number, at least one goal needs to be assessed each year.

Do we need to use a grading rubric or exam blueprint for assessment?

Yes, the program needs to have at least one direct measure for each goal.  The rubric or blueprint should be linked to the skills necessary to achieve the goal.  A copy of the rubric/blueprint should be included in your assessment report.

What should be included in the analysis of findings in the assessment report?

The analysis of findings should include any standards (i.e., benchmark, target, or criteria) for acceptable performance on the exam, report, or performance used to assess the goal.  Include the number of students used in the assessment.  (Note: You do not need to assess all students; a representative sample of students may be used.)  Provide information about the number or percentage of students who performed below, at, or above the target for the goal and a description about the specific skills or concepts that need improvement.  This information guides the action plan.

What is an “action plan”?

An action plan describes what changes, if any, may be needed in the curriculum or course to achieve the desired learning outcome.  It is based on the analysis of the assessment measure.  The action plan may include such things as: adding a course prerequisite; introducing material or certain types of assignments earlier in the program; providing students with more opportunities to practice or master the learning outcome across multiple courses.

What is the most important part of assessment?

The most important part is what the program has learned about how well students are achieving the learning outcome, and, if appropriate, how the program plans to use the assessment to improve student learning.  This is sometimes referred to as  “closing the loop.”

How is program assessment different from course assessment?

Program assessment is designed to measure how well students have achieved departmental or “program goals.  The focus is on what students should know or be able to do by the time they complete the program.

What is a curriculum map?  Is it required for the annual program assessment?

Curriculum mapping is a strategy that helps to identify which courses bear responsibility for particular outcomes and to make certain that the curriculum offers a rational sequence of courses. The curriculum should be organized such that knowledge and skills for each learning outcome are first Introduced, then Developed, and finally Mastered.  While it is useful for a program to have an updated curriculum map for the annual assessment, it is required only for the five-year Academic Program Review.