Creating a Culture of Assessment in Higher Education
A report by the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment draws attention to the fact that while 92% of American colleges and universities are now using at least one assessment tool to evaluate academic programs, most colleges are having difficulty integrating the results into a system of continuing improvement. It’s clear that often the roadblock to action isn’t a lack of data, nor is it the lack of an assessment process. The roadblock is the lack of a culture of assessment on campus. As one example, 66% of provosts surveyed said what they needed most in order to translate assessment into action was more faculty involvement. Donald Norris, president of Strategic Initiatives, Inc. and a key thinker on this issue, offers some practical strategies for moving people to take action based on assessment. Dealing with Issues of Turf “Turf battles should disappear based on one simple question: What do we need to do to maximize student success and academic performance?” Donald Norris, Strategic Initiatives, Inc. To adopt a culture of assessment, it is key to relay succinctly — and repeatedly — to all stakeholders the message that what is at stake is the success of the student. Bring the critical question into key […]