Administrative and Educational Support Outcomes: Reporting Results,

Taking Action, and Improving ServicesLisa Garza

Director, 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, DirectorUniversity Planning and Assessment

JCK 1080245-2780

lisagarza@txstate.edu