Standard V - Educational Effectiveness Assessment

Assessment of student learning demonstrates that the institution’s students have accomplished educational goals consistent with their programs of study, degree level, the institution’s mission, and appropriate expectations for institutions of higher education.

Assemble the following, as appropriate:

  • Documentation of an implemented, systematic, and sustained process to assess student learning at all levels and utilization of results
  • Processes and procedures relevant to educational effectiveness assessment

This standard includes the following Criteria, which explicate the standard and specify particular characteristics or qualities that are incorporated in the standard. The Criteria are not a simple checklist. When an institution does not demonstrate evidence of a particular Criterion, it may demonstrate through alternative information that it meets the standard.

Standard V Criteria Documents, Processes, and Procedures

1. Clearly stated student learning outcomes, at the institution and degree/program levels, which are interrelated with one another, with relevant educational experiences, and with the institution’s mission. 

2. Organized and systematic assessments, conducted by faculty and/or appropriate professionals, evaluating the extent of student achievement of institutional and degree/program goals. Institutions should:

a. define meaningful curricular goals with defensible standards for evaluating whether students are achieving those goals;

b. articulate how they prepare students in a manner consistent with their missions for successful careers, meaningful lives, and, where appropriate, further education. They should collect and provide data on the extent to which they are meeting these goals; and,

c. support and sustain assessment of student achievement and communicate the results of this assessment to stakeholders.

 

3. Consideration and use of assessment results for the improvement of educational effectiveness. Consistent with the institution’s mission, such uses include some combination of the following:

a.  assisting students in improving their learning;

b. improving pedagogy and curriculum;

c. reviewing and revising academic programs and support services;

d. planning, conducting, and supporting a range of professional development activities;

e. planning and budgeting for the provision of academic programs and services;

f. informing appropriate constituents about the institution and its programs;

g. improving key indicators of student success, such as retention, graduation, transfer, and placement rates; and,

h. implementing other processes and procedures designed to improve educational programs and services.

 

4. If applicable, adequate and appropriate institutional review and approval of assessment services designed, delivered, or assessed by third party providers.  

Not Applicable.

5. Periodic evaluation of the assessment processes utilized by the institution for the improvement of educational effectiveness.