Welcome to this presentation: Meaningful Assessment at Kaplan University, part 1. This presentation contains audio. Make sure your speakers are turned up on your computer. In this presentation, you will gain an understanding of how Kaplan has integrated sound assessment principles into the everyday fabric of our students' learning experiences, including the benefits of assessment for both you and your students.

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Upon successful completion of this workshop, you should be able to articulate the role of assessment, its importance in higher education, at Kaplan, and in your role as a KU faculty member.

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To frame our understanding of why assessment is an important factor in the KU culture, let's begin by reviewing Kaplan's core mission. We’ll take a moment to read our mission on this slide. Kaplan University is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing innovative undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional education. Our programs foster student learning with opportunities to launch, enhance, or change careers in a diverse global society. The University is committed to general education, a student‐centered service and support approach, and applied scholarship in a practical environment. Source: KU Catalog 2011-2012

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In the same way that we are clear in our overall mission as a University, we have also clearly articulated our stance as to the role and importance of assessment in our students’ education. Here is our Statement of Assessment. Assessment of student achievement is fundamental to the successful fulfillment of Kaplan University’s mission. The University’s comprehensive, outcomes-focused assessment plan is designed to ensure that students learn skills specific to their program of study, so that they may be successful in their chosen career, and develop knowledge in appropriate general education areas. . .

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In addition, the University is committed to assessing incoming students to ensure they possess the prerequisite foundational skills to be successful in their program of study. Data from the assessment of students’ success informs decision-making throughout the University.

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To put purpose and action behind our Statement of Assessment, we have identified specific goals. To: •Provide feedback to course developers and faculty so that they may alter their teaching methods, course organization, assignments, and testing so as to continually improve student learning. •Provide feedback to administrators to inform University policy decisions and direct University investments. •Ensure students learn the skills specific to their program of study so that they are successful in their related careers.

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To put purpose and action behind our Statement of Assessment, we have identified specific goals. To: •Ensure students learn the appropriate general education outcomes. •Ensure entering students possess the prerequisite foundational skills to be successful in their program of study.

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As you may be experiencing, there is an increasing “climate of assessment” in higher education today. A formal assessment program is becoming more and more important in higher education, and we at Kaplan have embraced assessment as one of the distinguishing factors that sets us apart. In fact, Kaplan’s assessment program is among one of the most mature programs, since we have worked through the full process of conceptualizing an assessment plan, implementing the plan, and now are gathering assessment data to inform curricular improvement. Other institutions are also working toward developing solid assessment programs, and many are in the beginning stages of formulating an assessment plan and identifying program-level and course-level learning outcomes. One way we have distinguished ourselves at Kaplan is in the sheer scale and scope of our implementation, particularly in having our course outcomes align with our program outcomes. We have also proven to ourselves, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and others that not only have we implemented a comprehensive Course-Level Assessment program (more on this program later in this presentation) but we are also continually taking action and making curricular and instructional changes based upon the data being gathered. Not many other institutions are at this stage yet.

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A formal assessment program provides many benefits: • Faculty and curriculum teams can use the information gathered from assessment as signals for determining where curriculum, assessment instruments, and/or instruction may need revision or improvement . • Accreditors can use assessment data as benchmarks for evaluating the performance of a program. • State licensing boards and potential employers can view assessment data as a means of supporting what students claim they know, as well as align our programs with others. • Students receive feedback on their progress in acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in future courses and occupations. They can then use this feedback to both bolster their self-confidence and objectively determine how best to study. This is part of our vision, one of our long-term goals for students, as not all schools currently give students access to assessment scores. Source: CLA Manual, 10/26/2010

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Let’s take a moment to pause and consider what we have just reviewed. Reflect on the following: • What does a formal assessment plan mean for me? • How does this relate to my role and responsibilities as an instructor on a daily basis?

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So in your personal reflection, what did you come up with? Here are some additional thoughts: Assessment has firm footing in higher education, no matter the institution. It continues to be an ongoing part of the dialogue in Higher Education today. Assessment is everyone's responsibility—the faculty, the administration, and the curriculum development team. All members must embrace and engage in good assessment practices. We need to be well-informed and well-practiced in assessment to be successful as a university!

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To summarize, the overall goal of assessment is to support student achievement. KU has thoughtfully created plans and methods for using solid assessment practices to support our KU Institutional Mission, Statement of Assessment, and Assessment Plan .

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Congratulations! You have completed this presentation. Thank you for your time and attention.

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