Assessment at DU

Assessment

What is Assessment?

Assessment is the ongoing systematic process of understanding and improving student learning, which is sometimes described as a reinforcing cycle. The听2023 Provost Conference key note session on, 鈥,鈥 highlights one way assessment feeds into faculty thriving. By engaging in assessment work, faculty gain insights about their vocation. When activated, those insights lead to better opportunities for faculty practice and student learning. The cycle repeats itself as part of a culture of continuous reflection.听

This page covers:

Assessment Cycle

Assessment cycle: revise, review, and report

Assessment is an ongoing process of reflection on student learning. The three steps outlined below have these rough time frames:

Review: Generally review should be done before submitting your annual program assessment report and as you are planning for the coming year鈥檚 assessment work.

Report: The reporting window is open from June 1 through Oct. 31st of each year. Program Assessment Reports for completed Academic Year (Summer through Spring Quarters/Semesters) can be submitted at any time during that window.

Revise: Assessment planning should be done before or at the beginning of the academic year. The resources can be used at any time.

Three Components of Work

Part of each faculty member鈥檚 critical work, assessment generally entails three key components:听

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    Articulating Measurable Outcomes

    Faculty members articulate what they believe student success looks like in their program. This includes specific, measurable, and attainable outcomes for courses and programs that directly relate to student learning and quality pedagogy.听

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    RESOURCES:

    Developing Rubrics
    Writing Learning Outcomes

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    Gathering Artifacts

    Faculty members gather quality artifacts and data from the curriculum that provide evidence of student learning. Artifacts should be gathered from direct sources of engagement that show student progress toward mastery of learning outcomes.听

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    RESOURCE:

    Assessment Evidence

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    Reflecting & Reporting

    Faculty members analyze, reflect upon, and report on the gathered evidence. In return, assessment officers and administrators respond with helpful feedback and changes for how best to highlight successes for accreditation, budget allocation, marketing, and recruiting. (Suskie)听

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    RESOURCE:

    Assessment Glossary

These three components are equally valuable in the cycle of ongoing assessment, whether they are applied at the course or program level. Though program-level assessment is the primary focus of this report, course-level work always informs program goals.

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Submitting Your Report

Every year, each degree granting program should submit an assessment report as part of its teaching and learning work.

Our office is always trying to make submitting the annual program assessment report as easy as possible and we want to ensure that the process is educative and beneficial. 听

To that end, it is helpful to remember that assessment should focus on particular questions you have about teaching and learning in the classroom an program and include both quantitative and qualitative data to support your assessment narrative.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Why do I need to submit an annual report?

    Submitting an annual program assessment report is a valuable investment in the success of your program. It allows you to reflect on the progress and achievements of your program over the past year, as well as identify areas for improvement and growth. By carefully examining the data and feedback collected, you can make informed decisions and adjustments to ensure that your program continues to meet the needs of your stakeholders.

    Not only is an annual program assessment report required by accrediting bodies such as the Higher Learning Commission, but it is also a valuable tool for demonstrating your program鈥檚 effectiveness to stakeholders such as faculty, administrators, and prospective students.

    Submitting an annual program assessment report is an important step in the ongoing success and sustainability of your program. Don鈥檛 miss out on the opportunity to showcase your achievements, identify areas for improvement, and secure the resources needed to continue making a positive difference in the lives of your faculty and students.

  • What should be included in the assessment report?

    Your program assessment report should include a description of the assessment methods used, the data collected, and the results of the analysis. It should also include a discussion of the implications of the results for teaching and learning, as well as any action plans or recommendations for improvement.

    If you鈥檇 like to look at the questions for the report, please download the 2023 Assessment Report Questionnaire.

  • Our program has specialized accreditation, what do we need to submit?

    If your program has specialized accreditation, it is may not be necessary to submit a separate report from any report you are submitting as part of your accreditation process. 听

    It is important to submit a record of your assessment work, but your annual report may be defined by what your accrediting body requires.听

    If you have questions about how to submit a report for a program with specialized accreditation, please contact the Director of Academic Assessment in the Office of Teaching and Learning.

Need Support?

Stephen Riley

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Contact Stephen riley, Director of assessment

For answers to questions about assessment, email Stephen Riley at stephen.riley@du.edu

To go in depth on assessment, .听

Discover ways Stephen Riley can support you

Assessment Publications

Assessment Annual Report

To go in depth on Assessment data, view the Assessment Annual Report prepared by the OTL Director of Assessment, Stephen Riley.

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View Reports

Office of Teaching & Learning Annual Report

To learn about Office of Teaching & Learning assessment efforts, view the Office of Teaching & Learning Annual Report.

View Reports