Student Assessment Resources and Links
By Denise Webster

Assessment of student learning has been part of higher education since the early eighties, yet it continues to be a major issue and concern for higher education. All regional accrediting bodies, as well as many disciplinary and professional accrediting associations, have incorporated student learning outcomes assessment activities into their criteria for accreditation and reaffirmation of accreditation. There is a substantial body of literature that supports the value and importance of outcomes assessment. Because of this, outcomes assessment continues to grow.

As we at Central Michigan University continue to embrace our core values and institutional priorities, outcomes assessment will play a vital role in communicating the achievements and successes of our students. To assist faculty with establishing and maintaining a meaningful, manageable outcome assessment plan the following are key resources I have found very useful.

I hope that your summer has been enjoyable. As the fall semester approaches please do not hesitate to contact me if I may assist you with any curricular or student learning assessment questions or needs.

Texts:

Allen, M.J. (2004). Assessing Academic Programs in Higher Education. Anker Publishing Company.

Allen, M.J. (2006). Assessing General Education Programs. Anker Publishing Company.

Diamond, R.M. (1998). Designing & Assessing Courses & Curricula: A practical guide. 2nd edition. Jossey-Bass.

Huba, M.E. & Freed, J.E. (2000). Learner-Centered Assessment on College Campuses: Shifting the Focus from Teaching to Learning. Allyn & Bacon.

Maki, P.L. (2004). Assessing for Learning: Building a Sustainable Commitment Across the Institution. Stylus Publishing.

Suskie, L. (2004). Assessing Student Learning: a common sense guide. Anker Publishing Company.

Tagg, J. (2003). The Learning Paradigm College. Anker Publishing Company.

Articles:

AAC&U Board of Directors. (2004). Our Students' Best Work: A Framework for Accountability Worthy of Our Mission. Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U).

Building a Nation of Learners: The Need for Changes in Teaching and Learning to Meet Global Challenges. (2003). Business-Higher Education Forum (http://www.bhef.com/includes/pdf/2003_build_nation.pdf).

CHEA Board of Directors. (2003). Statement of Mutual Responsibilities for Student Learning Outcomes: Accreditation, Institutions, and Programs. Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Eaton, J.S. (2006, April 6)Statement as President, Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Presented before The Secretary of Education's Commission on the Future of Higher Education. Retrieved from: (http://www.chea.org/Government/Testimony/Futures0406.pdf)

Huber, M.t. & Hutchings, P. (2004). Integrative Learning: Mapping the Terrain. Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U).

Linkon, S. (July/August 2005). "How Can Assessment Work for Us?" Academe (http://www.aaup.org/publications/Academe/2005/05ja/05jalink.htm). pp. 28-32.

Miller R. & Leskes, A. (2005). Levels of Assessment: From the Student to the Institution. Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U).

Nichols, J., et.al. (2003). "Quality of the Degree: An Alliance between Faculty and Accreditors." Report from the Project on Accreditation and Assessment. Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U).