Introduction to Assessment

Assessment is the process of collecting and analyzing information about student learning and performance to improve education. At K-State, assessment is a deliberate, incremental process, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. All academic programs and student affairs units participate in the assessment of student learning.

The core principles guiding assessment include:

• Defining the desired learning outcomes for students by the end of a program or course.
• Determining the methods for measuring student achievement.

This process is rooted in faculty-driven, systematic efforts aimed at improving teaching and learning.

Key Goals of Assessment:

1. Reflect the values of specific disciplines.
2. Inform teaching practices to enhance student learning.
3. Guide departments and programs in refining curricula.

Please review the Ten Principles of Meaningful Assessment (PDF) for more information.

Assessment vs. Grading

While both assessment and grading evaluate student performance, they are distinct:

• Assessment is aimed at improving student learning, using both graded and ungraded measures.

• Grading often combines multiple factors (e.g., attendance, participation) that don't always directly measure learning outcomes.

Assessment systematically identifies patterns in student learning and informs improvements across courses and programs.

Assessment Checklist (With Examples)

At K-State, we focus on identifying learning needs and using that data to enhance programs. For further insight into how new programs are assessed, please explore the Assessment Checklist (With Examples) (PDF), which outlines the stages of developing and implementing assessment plans.

Key Steps in the Assessment Process:

1. Development of Measurable Outcomes: Programs create Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) relevant to their goals.
2. Assessment Planning: Programs develop plans for how to measure and evaluate these outcomes.
3. Use of Results: Assessment results inform improvements in courses and curricula to close the loop.

The Assessment division oversees the process, requiring regular reporting from programs to ensure continuous progress.

Assessment Cycles

At K-State, assessment occurs on a cyclical basis to ensure continuous improvement in student learning. Each program and unit follows a structured cycle, where assessment is not just a snapshot but an ongoing process of review and refinement.

The Process of Continual Improvement (image below)

Undergraduate Assessment Cycle

• Regular intervals for assessment and reporting, ensuring ongoing improvement of undergraduate programs.

Graduate Assessment Cycle

• Graduate programs follow a similar process, with tailored assessments for advanced academic development.