From Cyclical to Continuous Improvement: Assessment Feedback and Program Metrics
Derek J. Herrmann, Coordinator of University Assessment Services
Kristen M. Hendrickson, Director of Planning, Research, and Policy Analysis
Bruce R. Stoffel, Coordinator of Academic Program and Policy, Office of the Provost
Overview
• Introduction and Context• Program Review• Assessment Feedback• Program Metrics• Lessons Learned and Next Steps• Questions and Discussion
INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT
From Cyclical to Continuous Improvement: Assessment Feedback and Program Metrics
About Illinois State University• Located in Normal, Illinois• Doctoral/Research University• Fall 2013 enrollment: 20,272• Programs offered – 71 bachelor’s degree programs– 43 master’s degree programs– 9 certificate programs– 10 doctoral degree programs
About Illinois State University• Of the 275 programs of study
(undergraduate and graduate)…– 139 participate in specialized accreditation– 136 do not participate in specialized
accreditation
• Currently a member of Pioneer Pathways Cohort 2 and completing the Assessment Academy as part of reaccreditation
• Business intelligence project on campus
Program Review Process
• Eight-year review cycle, 16-17 programs per year
• Internal reviews by campus committee• Facilitated by the Associate Provost• Supplements specialized accreditation• Follow-up actions may be requested
Program Review Assessment Feedback
Not Present Developing Established Exemplary
Program goals and student learning outcomesSystematic assessment of student learningFeedback from key stakeholdersUse of the Results
Impetuses for Change
• Rapid changes in disciplines and programs • Unit requests for more data more frequently• Specialized accreditation • Data needed to evaluate follow-up actions
• External pressures– Performance-based funding– Gainful employment disclosures– Competitive recruiting environment
ASSESSMENT FEEDBACK
From Cyclical to Continuous Improvement: Assessment Feedback and Program Metrics
Process for the Review of Academic Assessment Plans
Not Present Developing Established Exemplary
Program goals and student learning outcomesSystematic assessment of student learningFeedback from key stakeholdersUse of the Results
Annual Assessment Update
• Years 4-8: Annual Update for Academic Assessment Plans– Respond to five items based on Higher Learning
Commission’s Fundamental Questions for Conversations on Student Learning
Annual Assessment Update
• Years 4-8: Annual Update for Academic Assessment Plans– Previously reviewed by University Assessment
Services staff and any concerns were addressed– University Assessment Services staff and
Assessment Advisory Council now review and respond to three items
LESSONS LEARNED AND NEXT STEPS
From Cyclical to Continuous Improvement: Assessment Feedback and Program Metrics
Lessons Learned and Next Steps: Program Metrics• Ask and you shall receive• Expect the unexpected• Communication is key• Opportunity to educate audiences about the
data – seize it!
Lessons Learned and Next Steps: Program Metrics• Involve faculty from the start• Expect difficulty meeting all program needs • Anticipate concern about use of data• Moving forward …• Revise current metrics and add others• Integrate with new business intelligence tool• Provide units 24/7 access to data• Revisit 8-year program review cycle
Lessons and Next Steps: Assessment Feedback• Be more proactive/outreach more to
programs• Use the expertise of others• Continue to implement feedback process• Developing mechanism for incorporating
with Program Review
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
From Cyclical to Continuous Improvement: Assessment Feedback and Program Metrics
Questions and Discussion
• Is there a similar process at your institution?• Have you (and/or your colleagues)
considered implementing a similar process at your institution?
• If you have done this at your institution, what are your ‘lessons learned?’
THANK YOU!
• Derek J. Herrmann [email protected]
• Kristen M. Hendrickson [email protected]
• Bruce R. Stoffel [email protected]
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