A strong assessment plan provides a framework for faculty to analyze data and improve student outcomes. By identifying program strengths and weaknesses, departments can make informed pedagogical changes and communicate the value of a WSU education.

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Building an Assessment Plan

Step 1: Identify program-based student learning outcomes

Meaningful and measurable student learning outcomes are the backbone of the assessment plan. Student learning outcomes reflect the goals and values of your specific program and distinguish your program from others. Student learning outcomes describe the knowledge, behaviors, skills, attitudes, and values that your students should be able to demonstrate as a result of completing your program. Good student learning outcomes are specific, measurable, and directly tied to your program's curriculum.

Additional information on developing and writing program-based student learning outcomes can be found here.

Step 2: Develop a curriculum map

With program-based student learning outcomes in hand, create a curriculum map/grid to identify the intersections between courses and program outcomes and experiences. The curriculum map can be furthered enhanced by indicating the level of mastery expected at each intersection, for example, where outcomes are introduced, developed, and mastered.

Careful review of the curriculum map allows the program faculty to ensure that students have multiple opportunities to develop and master learning outcomes and to identify gaps in coverage. This template can be downloaded to help you design your curriculum map.

Step 3: Align course-level outcomes with program-based student learning outcomes

Visit the Outcome-Assessment alignment tool to ensure your assessment meets this criteria.

Step 4: Determine assessment measures that align to course-level outcomes

Before moving to the draft stage, ensure your measures align with the outcomes and goals of your courses.

Step 5: Draft a complete program assessment plan

Drafting the program assessment plan allows you to ensure all the details are in place before finalizing and implementing the plan.

Step 6: Implement the assessment plan and revise as needed

Once the plan is implemented, regularly review and revise based on current program needs and outcome goals.