Learner Outcomes Assessment Portfolios

Assessment of the extent to which the College is achieving intended outcomes, whether the existing set or the revised version, is a continuing challenge. The SOAC recognized that such assessment is a large task, and proposes that we implement assessment programs gradually, with the college providing aid and guidance to the departments as they work out the most effective methods for their own assessments. The following tentative calendar is intended to promote continued progress without creating excessive burdens on departments and faculty by rotating emphasis on each major outcome in a multi-year cycle.

Fall 2007
Proposed outcome revisions presented to faculty for discussion and approval vote.
SOAC develops assessment plan for first two classes of outcomes - environmental awareness and leadership. Environmental awareness is a part of both current and proposed outcomes, We will take advantage of existing accomplishments of some departments to provide model systems and recommend best practices that can be adapted by any department. The SOAC leadership subcommittee (Steve Padgitt, Brad Skaar, Mary Wiedenhoft, Ed Braun) has a TEACH grant to develop a process for assessment of leadership activities.

Spring 2008
SOAC will distribute environmental awareness/leadership assessment models to departments, and encourage departments to begin updating or implementing assessment of student environmental awareness and leadership outcomes. Assessment models will be available on the college web site.

2008-2009
SOAC will develop models for assessing Problem Solving / Critical Thinking and Professional, Interpersonal and Cross-cultural Communications outcomes. Those models will be distributed and publicized as above. Departments will continue implementation of environmental awareness and leadership assessments, and begin to update or implement programs to assess Problem Solving and Communications outcomes.

2009-2010
Focus outcomes will be Entrepreneurship and Ethics. SOAC will also review and revise assessment practices for 2007-2008 goals.

2009-2010
Focus outcomes will be Life-long Learning and International/Multicultural Awareness. SOAC will review and revise established assessment practices.

2010-2011
Departments should achieve assessment practices for each of the College outcomes, tailored to fit departmental needs. The SOAC will review and revise established assessment practices.