Assessment Accountability: Are we doing what we say we are doing? Program Improvement: How can we be even better? External audiences: SACS

SACS Principles of Accreditation Quality Enhancement The Commission on Colleges expects institutions to dedicate themselves to enhancing the quality of their programs and services within the context of their missions, resources, and capacities, and creating an environment in which teaching, research, and learning occurs.

SACS Principles of Accreditation The concept of quality enhancement is at the heart of the Commission’s philosophy of accreditation; this presumes each member institution is engaged in an ongoing program of improvement and can demonstrate how well it fulfills its stated mission.

SACS Principles of Accreditation Core Requirements 5. The institution engages in ongoing, integrated, and institution-wide research- based planning and evaluation processes that incorporate a systematic review of programs and services that (a) results in continuing improvement and (b) demonstrates that the institution is effectively accomplishing its mission.

SACS Principles of Accreditation Comprehensive Standards Institutional Effectiveness 16. The institution identifies expected outcomes for its educational programs and its administrative and educational support services; assesses whether it achieves these outcomes; and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis of those results.

The Planning and Assessment Cycle WhenWhat October 15, 2003Operational Plan for and August 1, 2004Assessment Report for October 15, 2004Operational Plan for and August 1, 2005Assessment Report for October 15, 2005Operational Plan for and

The 5-Column Report Template GoalsObjectives Specific Proposed Measures and Expected Outcomes Assessment Results and Outcomes Actions Already Taken or Actions Planned as a Result of Assessment

An Alternative 6-Column Report Template GoalsObjectives Implementation Strategies Specific Proposed Measures and Expected Outcomes Assessment Results and Outcomes Actions Already Taken or Actions Planned as a Result of Assessment

The 5-Column Report Template: Operational Plans GoalsObjectives Specific Proposed Measures and Expected Outcomes Assessment Results and Outcomes Actions Already Taken or Actions Planned as a Result of Assessment

The 5-Column Report Template: Assessment Reports GoalsObjectives Specific Proposed Measures and Expected Outcomes Assessment Results and Outcomes Actions Already Taken or Actions Planned as a Result of Assessment

The 5-Column Report Template: Operational Plans GoalsObjectives Specific Proposed Measures and Expected Outcomes Assessment Results and Outcomes Actions Already Taken or Actions Planned as a Result of Assessment

Goals Should link to Mission and to Strategic Plan Should be consistent and follow from goals of the unit’s Cabinet officer Broad areas – no details here

Goals Where can I get a copy of the Strategic Plan? –Go to the SHC home page, then go to “Institutional Planning and Analysis” from the drop-down menu. –The Mission Statement is within the Strategic Plan.

Goals Other Goals –Day-to-day operations –Staffing –Staff development & training –Office facilities & equipment –Special one-time circumstances

Objectives More specific to the unit and its operations Should be at least potentially measurable Need to cover 2 years for budgetary purposes May include items contained in the prior assessment report

Specific Proposed Measures and Expected Outcomes Develop measures before you undertake assessment Only list things you really intend to do Be specific – set targets Need to be measurable, even if the measures are things like “adequate” or “good”

Specific Proposed Measures and Expected Outcomes Good Assessment Measures … –Utilize multiple sources. –Have external validity. –Are potentially actionable. –Look at outputs, not inputs

The 5-Column Report Template: Assessment Reports GoalsObjectives Specific Proposed Measures and Expected Outcomes Assessment Results and Outcomes Actions Already Taken or Actions Planned as a Result of Assessment

Assessment Results and Outcomes Compile and present your findings. Reports should be filled with facts. Compare outcomes to targets. If you didn’t do an activity you said you would, report that too.

Assessment Results and Student Outcomes Report good news. Report bad news. Avoid a report that wastes everybody’s time.

Actions Already Taken or Actions Planned as a Result of Assessment Respond to the findings Some responses occurred during the year – report those actions as well. Be realistic. Point out unresolved issues.

CLOSE THE LOOP Do it again, using what you’ve found to improve the next cycle. PlanAssess Make Improvements