Measures

A method of assessment (measure):

  • Describes how students are evaluated
  • Is used to gauge achievment of expected results

    Assessment of an academic program’s student learning should include a mix of direct and indirect measures

    • Direct Measures are methods such as scores and pass rates on exams, papers, presentations, performances, a grade on a set or subset of test questions designed to assess student knowledge of a topic, or scores of pass rates on standardized tests.
    • Indirect Measures include methods such as an alumni survey, a satisfaction survey, an exit interview, student participation rates or focus group results.
    • Examples of rubrics used to determine scores/grades on a paper, project, performance, etc. should be included as an artifact of the assessment plan
    • Other supporting documentation may include examples of test questions, survey questions, or a description of the methodology of a standardized test

    An achievement target:

    • Is a minimum performance standard
    • Includes the desired minimum percentage of students who should achieve that standard
    • Asks “what level of achievement is acceptable as evidence of student success?”
    • An example of an achievement target would be “100% of students will achieve a grade of “B” or better on the final project in [course name/number].
    • Another example would be “85% of students who take the [discipline specific standardized test] will achieve a score that is equal to or greater than the national average score on the [discipline specific standardized test].