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What is an assessment plan?
An assessment plan lists program learning objectives,
direct and indirect measures needed to measure the
learning objectives as well as logistics and timelines
for collecting and reporting data. An assessment plan
consists of two parts: a cover page with a list of
program learning outcomes and an assessment grid.
It should be updated annually.
What is an assessment report?
An assessment report is the execution of the
assessment plan. Data is gathered, evaluated and
reported for each learning outcome. Based on the
results, faculty may recommend to make a change in
teaching strategy, curriculum or evaluation, or
faculty may continue with the same strategies for
the next academic year. Data
should be gathered throughout the academic year as
appropriate. The
assessment report is completed in the spring
semester of each academic year.
What is an annual report?
The annual report is a narrative summary of a program
beyond the assessment report. It demonstrates how
individual programs align with academic strategic
initiatives at MSU Billings. The report includes
information that may not be included in the assessment
report such as program resources, faculty scholarship
activities, grant activities, career pathways and
collaborations to serve students through student
affairs. The annual report is completed in the spring
semester of each academic year.
What is the assessment cycle?
The process begins with identifying learning
outcomes on the mission and learning goals of the
unit. Then the cycle of assessment planning,
implementation and analysis occurs.
The cycle can be described as three stages:
Stage 1—Assessment planning stage
Programs in this stage are developing an assessment
plan, but have not implemented the plan.
Stage 2—Assessment implementation stage
Programs in this stage have completed Stage 1 and have
begun or completed the collection of assessment
information, but have not begun Stage 3.
Stage 3—Assessment analysis stage
Degree programs in this stage have completed Stage 2 and
are in the process or have completed the evaluation of
assessment information and made curricular or
pedagogical changes as necessary.
Why is program assessment important?
Program assessment is important because it allows us to
reflect on our mission and what a student from a program
will be able to know and do.
Through program assessment, we can better
understand what we are doing well and areas where we can
improve to better serve students.
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