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Characteristics of a Good Assessment Program

A good assessment program does the following:

--Asks important questions

--Reflects institutional mission

--Reflects programmatic goals and objectives for learning

--Contains a thoughtful approach to assessment planning

--Is linked to decision making about the curriculum

--Is linked to processes such as planning and budgeting

--Encourages involvement of individuals from on and off campus

--Contains relevant assessment techniques

--Includes direct evidence of learning

--Reflects what is known about how students learn

--Shares information with multiple audiences

--Leads to reflection and action by faculty, staff, and students

--Allows for continuity, flexibility, and improvement in assessment

From Chapter 1, p. 16, of Assessment Essentials:  Planning, Implementing, and Improving Assessment in Higher Education by Catherine A. Palomba and Trudy W. Banta (San Francisco, CA:  Jossey-Bass, 1999).