administrative and educational support outcomes: reporting results, taking action, and improving...
TRANSCRIPT
Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes: Reporting Results,
Taking Action, and Improving Services
Lisa GarzaDirector, University Planning and Assessment
May 10 - 11, 2010
Workshop GoalsTo become:
familiar with assessing administrative and educational
support outcomes in compliance with SACS requirements
knowledgeable about outcomes assessment in relation to
department activities
aware of the importance of assessment results reporting in
relation to outcomes and continuous improvement
competent at developing action plans based on results
more adept at providing evidence of improvement of
services
“Just as diagnosis without treatment is not very helpful to a sick patient, assessment without analysis and action can do little for an institution.”
-- Braskamp, 1989
OverviewSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools
(SACS) Core Requirement 3.3.1:
“The institution identifies expected outcomes, assesses the extent to which it achieves these outcomes, and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis of the results.”
OverviewFor evidence of success and continuous
improvement Directors for each administrative and
educational support service office, as determined by each Division, should have already identified 3-5 outcomes with two assessment methods/measures for each
Assessment activities should be currently underway and close to completion
Overview Results are to be reported on the Outcomes
Assessment system by July 16, 2010 Unit heads should approve by July 30,
2010 Audits will be conducted on results by
August 6, 2010 Vice Presidents should give final approval
by August 20, 2010
Outcomes Assessment: What it is and What it’s not Definitions Evaluating service versus individual Reporting results Developing plans for improvement Evidence of improvement Continuous Improvement
Definitions Outcomes
Desired results expressed in general terms Methods
Tools or instruments used to gauge progress toward achieving outcomes
Measures Intended performance targets expressed in
specific terms
Definitions Results
Actual assessment findings expressed in specific terms
Action Plans Plans for improving services based on result findings
Evidence of Improvement Performance target level achieved as compared to
previous year’s findings, expressed in specific terms
Evaluating Service versus Individual Outcomes assessment should be
summative and not punitive The focus should be on the
office/department and not to single out one individual
The overarching goal is to improve our services and use our resources effectively
Reporting Results Results required for each assessment
method/ measure Results must include reflection/
discussion of the findings for each corresponding method/measure
Results should be based on reliable and valid data collection methods
Reporting Results Results must indicate the level of
achievement of stated performance targets
Results should include indicators for improvement
Results should be presented clearly and concisely
Developing Plans for Improvement A plan of action for improvement should
be presented for each outcome Action plans should be based on actual
result findings Action plans must be feasible regarding
resources and time available
Developing Plans for Improvement Action plans should reasonably lead to
continuous improvement of services Action plans should clearly and
concisely indicate steps that will be taken to improve results for next year
Evidence of Improvement Evidence should be presented with
enough detail to be easily understood Evidence should be based on the actual
result findings from one year to the next Evidence of improvement presented
should include an overall summary of findings for all outcomes
Example of Outcomes Report Discussion of Handout with Example Report
Mission Statement Outcome Method/Measures Results Action Plan Evidence of Improvement
Discussion of Result Reporting Checklist handout
Continuous Improvement Outcomes assessment is a continuous
process Focus should be on how to best improve
our services Culture of assessment should be embraced
and inclusive of all stakeholders within the department or office
Outcomes assessment is here to stay!
Challenges and Pitfalls one size does not fit all — some assessments
work well for one office/department but not others
do not try to do the perfect assessment all at once — take a continuous improvement approach
allow for ongoing feedback match the assessment method to the outcome and
not vice-versa
When is Assessment Successful?
When departments measure their performance, implement changes, and improve their performance
When the program or service continues to improve as a result of the assessment process
Questions andComments
For additional assistance, contact:
Lisa Garza, Director
University Planning and Assessment
JCK 1080
245-2780