What You Can Find on This Page
Assessment plays a pivotal role in informing decisions at higher education institutions like FSW. Looking through the resources here can help you learn more about assessment and how it is collected, analyzed, and implemented. Whether you are learning about assessment for the first time or you are a professional in the field, there is something here for you.
Assessment Organizations
These organizations have a specialized focus on assessment in higher education with communities of educators and professionals committed to improving student learning. Throughout these organizations you can find professional development opportunities, resources, reports, publications, conferences, and more. Conferences held by both the Assoc. for Assessment of Learning in Higher Ed. and the Assessment Institute have been attended by Team AASPIRE in the past. So, if you want to hear more, be sure to reach out to us.
- National Institute for Learning Outcome Assessment
- Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education
- The Assessment Institute in Indianapolis
Institutional Resources
These are external resources from other universities committed to improving assessment and student learning. On their websites you can find even more information about assessment and what it looks like at their institutions, more resources, guides for improving assessment, and learning opportunities for educators.
- Drexel University – Resources
- Indiana University Bloomington – Assessing Student Learning
- Texas A&M University – Assessment 101
- University of Oregon – Improve Curricula
- Toronto Metropolitan University – Designing Assessments
- The University of Sydney – Courses in Assessment for Educators
Assessment Literature
This article discusses the use of precise assessment and instruction to better inform how to teach students critical thinking skills.
- Elder, L, and Paul, R. (2007). Consequential validity: Using assessment to drive instruction.In: Foundation For Critical Thinking. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org.
A discussion of the success Juniata College had with its faculty led assessment by connecting assessment to program reviews, tying assessment into faculty interests, having administrative support, and more.
- Jankowski, N. (2011, July). Juniata College: Faculty led assessment. (Case Studies: Juniata College). Juniata College, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA). https://www.learningoutcomesassessment.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/JuniataCaseStudy.pdf
A discussion of Colorado State University’s (CSU) Plan for Researching Improvement and Supporting Mission (PRISM) system of continuous improvement and other strategies used by CSU to enhance assessment and student learning.
- Kinzie, J. (2011, August). Colorado State University: A comprehensive continuous improvement system. (Case Studies: Colorado State University). Colorado State University, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA). https://www.learningoutcomesassessment.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ColoradoStateUniversity.pdf
This book highlights the growing importance student learning evidence and the key role that assessment plays in it while also providing educators and professionals advice on how to improve the two.
- Kuh, D., Ikenberry, S., Jankowski, N., Cain, T., Ewell, P., Hutchings, P. and Kinzie, J. (2015). Using evidence of student learning to improve higher education. Jossey-Bass: San Franciso, CA.
This resource provides key information about accreditation and the elements of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), FSW’s accreditor.
This article discusses the important and unique role that student affairs professionals could play in student learning when properly integrated with assessment.
- Schuh, J. H., & Gansemer-Topf, A. M. (2010, December). The role of student affairs in student learning assessment. (Occasional Paper No. 7). Urbana, IL: University of Illinois and Indiana University, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA). https://www.learningoutcomesassessment.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/OccasionalPaper7.pdf
This updated second edition of the landmark book provides important information about assessing student learning for invested faculty and staff. This is a must have if you want a deep understanding of assessment and is a Team AASPIRE favorite.
- Suskie, L. (2009). Assessing student learning: A common sense guide. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
The second edition version of this book provides a step-by-step guide of the assessment process and details on important factors such as student learning and institution-wide assessment.
- Walvoord, B. E. (2010). Assessment clear and simple: A practical guide for institutions, departments, and general education. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.