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HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION EXPECTATIONS

FOR ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING

The assessment of student learning will be a key component of the next North Central Association (Higher Learning Commission) accreditation review for the University of Northern Iowa.   The links on this page are intended to provide information related to Higher Learning Commission expectations for assessment of student learning that may be useful to deans, department heads, assessment committees, and individual faculty and staff as they review and enhance assessment policies, procedures, and accomplishments at the University of Northern Iowa.

• Higher Learning Commission Handbook of Accreditation
  http://www.ncahlc.org/download/Handbook03.pdf
• 
  See pages 3.1-4 and 3.2-8 through 3.2-12 for specific statements criteria and examples of evidence for student learning and effective teaching.
• A Guide for Institutions and Evaluators

http://www.ncahlc.org/download/0412GuideInstitutionsandEvaluators.PDF

This guide from the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions provides five principles for the focus on student learning and implications for assessment and accreditation.  A brief brochure from the Council at http://www.ncahlc.org/download/0412AssessmentAccredLearningPrinciples.PDF

outlines What an accrediting commission should reasonably expect of an institution.

• Student Learning, Assessment and Accreditation

http://www.ncahlc.org/download/AssessStuLrngApril.pdf

This statement from the Higher Learning Commission includes Fundamental Questions for Conversations on Student Learning and Evaluating the Organization’s Efforts to Assess and Improve Student Learning.

• The New Criteria and Assessment of Student Learning

http://www.ncahlc.org/download/feb06_assess_ppt/1NewCriteria&Assess.pdf

This handout from a presentation at the February 2006 Higher Learning Commission Assessment Workshop provides an overview of expectations from the Commission and highlights the increased focus on student learning as part of the accreditation review process.

• Assessment of Student Learning: Assessment Culture Matrix

http://www.ncahlc.org/download/AssessMatrix03.pdf

This matrix developed by the Higher Learning Commission provides descriptors for identifying beginning, progressing, and maturing levels for the development of a culture of assessment with respect to the institutional culture; shared responsibility for assessment, including faculty, administration/board, and students; and institutional support.  A worksheet for analyzing levels of achievement for each level can be found at http://www.ncahlc.org/download/02-AnlysWksht.pdf

Examples of Self-Study Reports

This page provides links to self-study reports from selected institutions accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, including UNI peer institutions.