Masters in Public Administration Assessment of Student Learning 2007-2008

The MPA Degree 36 Units Intro course + 5 electives 5 core content courses Culminating project

Student Learning Outcomes-1 Organizational development Budgeting and finance Public policy analysis Research methods Human resources

Student Learning Outcomes-2 Oral and written communication Problem-solving, critical thinking Interpersonal relations Information competency

Information Competency Find information Manipulate information Judge, critique information Use information

Curriculum Map Courses Find info Manipulate Judge Use Intro X Budget Research Policy

Signature Assignments Annotated bibliography Day Care Budget Choosing population data Making policy recommendations

Rubric Criteria for judging assignment Range of performances Examples of best practices Used by multiple faculty

Assessment Process Collect student work Apply rubric Record results

Assessment Findings Where students do well: Students do less well: Finding information Manipulating information Students do less well: Judging information sources Using information to justify recommendations

Evidence-Based Change Faculty meet to discuss evidence More time on information competency in core courses Re-design some assignments

Repeat the Cycle Select student learning outcome (SLO) Collect student work (evidence) Judge evidence Use evidence for change