Assessment and NEASC Update
Marianne Fallon (Psychological Science) on behalf of University Assessment
April 15, 2013
Improves student learning
Saves time &
resources
NEASC & discipline
specific accreditation
Why is progress on assessment so important?
Good assessment
Curricular/ programmatic
changes
Academic Year Reported on: 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12
Number of Programs 94 94 94 93
Number of Programs in Compliance with Assessment Policies 80 85 84 88
% Compliance 85% 90% 89% 95%
How far we have come. . .
Developed (2.5 - 3.0)
Developing (1.5 - 2.49)
Not Yet Developed (1.0 - 1.49)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
14%
57%
29%
17%
83%
0%
40%
60%
0%
Summary Ratings of Reviewed Assessment Reports (2010-11 through 2012-13)
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13*
Summary Rating
Perc
ent o
f Pro
gram
s
N = 8
* Programs reviewed as of Feb. 20, 2013
N = 4N = 4
N = 8
N = 12
N = 19
N = 16
Learning Outcomes Findings Analysis Use of Results General Education1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00Overall Assessment Scores
2010-112011-122012-13
Year Assessment Report Reviewed
Ave
rage
Sco
re
+ 0.1
+ 0.4+ 0.4
+ 0.3
- 0.2
Change since 2010-11
1. Students will closely read such literary genres as poetry, prose fiction, and drama in order to interpret them not only in terms of content, but also in terms of literary style. [READING]
2. Students will develop a substantive claim about works of literature. [THESIS]
3. Students will support a substantive claim about works of literature using literary-critical techniques. [ARGUMENT]
4. Students will quote primary sources effectively in support of a critical argument. [QUOTES]
5. Students will situate works of literature in terms of the cultural, literary, historical, and/or biographical context in which they were produced. [CONTEXT]
6. Students will, when appropriate, effectively analyze and integrate secondary source material into their own arguments. [SECONDARY MATERIAL]
Most Valuable Players
• Learning Outcomes– English
• Findings– Mechanical Engineering
• Analysis– Educational Leadership
Most Valuable Players
• Learning Outcomes– English
• Findings– Mechanical Engineering
• Analysis– Educational Leadership
• Use of Results– Criminology
The two main areas with room for improvement are: effective communication in written form, and interpretation and application of scientific knowledge. In regard to the application of scientific knowledge, we have one course that specifically focuses on these skills, Research Methods in Criminology. However, students clearly need multiple opportunities to practice these skills and to obtain and learn from faculty feedback. Thus, we are considering making the Research Methods course a 4-credit class to allow faculty and students to work more closely to develop the skills necessary to interpret and apply scientific knowledge.
Corrective course of action
Identifies specific area of concern
+
=NEASC
requirement MET!
Most Valuable Players
• Learning Outcomes– English
• Findings– Mechanical Engineering
• Analysis– Educational Leadership
• Use of Results– Criminology
• General Education– Earth Science
Most Valuable Players
• Learning Outcomes– English
• Findings– Mechanical Engineering
• Analysis– Educational Leadership
• Use of Results– Criminology
• General Education– Earth Science
• Assessment Plan– Art