1. Turning the aircraft carrier…

2. The Starting Point… We have a system… I fill in some forms every year. You have to understand, we’re different. We’re unique. What do you mean? Of course I assess students.

3. Groundwork Sometimes, groundwork starts on the roof. So, you’re telling me we have students that might be learning – probably are learning – but we can’t prove it?

4. Administration Started with the President (with a little help from the NWCCU) Moved Assessment out of Instruction Agreed a plan of action with an Assessment Committee Oh…and the Union…

5. Into the Field… ‘Data’ collection and ‘language tracking’ The path of least resistance…. Plenty, yes plenty, of time…

6. Relevance Great. More forms. What’s in it for me? I don’t have time for this. I think there are some learning outcomes somewhere. Solution: A series of Faculty working groups to review and develop principles for assessment. Outcome: Could you make us a form?

7. Safety So, how – exactly – is this going to be used? Have you seen the CBA? Isn’t there something about academic freedom? I had this student who… Solution: path of review via Assessment Committee and an ‘assessment library’ Outcome: You know, I’d like a little more data please…

8. Application Really? My students? Huh. I have this idea…. Oh. I didn’t know we did that. It’s great my students go and learn math. But then they come back here and… I need a syllabus for every class? Solution: soooo much more work to do. Outcome: When are we going to….

9. Into the corners… No matter what I do, some students aren’t going to make it… Why is this all my problem? It’s like the governor said… I’m sorry, but I have a job to do. Solution: Service Councils and a big thanks to the NWCCU Outcome: Can you send me the standard that…

10. Where do we go from here? September? We aren’t going to make it…. You know, maybe this should be in the CBA… MCO? Is that a syllabus? This will be a big help when I… Hey, could I do one of those plan thingies? We aren’t around the corner, but the path is charted.