Information and Resources for Programs and Departments

Individuals affiliated with FSU programs, departments, and offices have specific issues and needs related to student learning assessment. The tools listed below offer a wide assortment of resources to support program initiatives. Please contact us if you need information that is not listed on this web site.

Steps in the Assessment Process - There are three steps to the assessment process:

1. Establish Learning Goals
2. Assess Student Learning
3. Use the Results

The links below provide information and resources on distinct phases of the assessment process.

Learning Goals - Learning goals are overarching statements about desired achievements within a program or department.

FSU's Undergraduate Institutional Learning Goals should be cross-referenced with departmental and programmatic learning goals.

The Guide for Writing Action-Oriented Learning Goals provides examples of behavioral learning goals, based on L. Suskie's Assessing Student Learning: A Common Sense Guide (2004).

The St. Cloud University Assessment Office developed Examples of Assessible Learning Goals.

Assessment Plans - Assessment plans outline the strategies and processes established by departments and programs for the assessment of student learning.

The Basic Assessment Plan Checklist provides a quick overview of what should be included in narrative portions of program and departmental assessment plans.

Peggy Maki's Assessment Guide provides a framework for each stage within the assessment process.

A guide for Creating a Program Assessment Plan offers a suggested step-by-step format.

The Assessment Plan Template provides a clear, transparent, and complete view of the entire assessment process, from overarching learning goals to decisions made in response to the evidence revealed through assessment. Note: This documented is formatted to fit 8.5"x14" (legal) paper.

Assessment Reports - Assessment reports are periodic updates to programmatic or departmental assessment plans. Departments will submit Program Assessment Reports every 2.5 years as part of the Academic Program Review process.

The Assessment Report Template allows departments to narrative. Both address fundamental components that should be included in any department/program assessment plan; either can be revised to meet individual program needs.

Additional Resources

Overview of various assessment strategies - Looks at tests, portfolios, interviews, surveys, and inventories.

A National Dialogue: The Secretary of Education's Commission on the Future of Higher Education - The final report of the Commission.

Teaching Goals Inventory Online - This site is a self-assessment of instructional goals for individual classes, developed by Angelo and Cross. This site allows you to complete the inventory electronically and receive your scores.

Assessment Resources - Comprehensive listing of assessment resources, as compiled by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU).

Student Learning Assessment Options & Resources - This document by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education provides information on motivating and involving the campus community, learning goals, evaluating student learning, understanding expectations, and using results.

Information on Assessment Models and Best Practices - The Middle States Commission on Higher Education offers models and best practices for assessing student learning.

Engaging Faculty in Student Learning Assessment - A bibliography of written work on encouraging a culture of assessment among faculty, compiled by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Using Assessment Results - This bibliography lists resources on using results to improve teaching and learning, compilied by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

For additional resources or more information, please contact us.