Implementing An Integrated System For Program Assessment And Improvement

Our program assessment model is an annual cycle, consisting of a systematic assessment of every course in the program, followed by an assessment of the program as a whole. The annual cycle is illustrated in Figure 1. The large yellow arrow represents one annual iteration of the Program. Within the program, a series of courses (represented by the black arrows designated Cours A, Course B, and Course C) run concurrently. On an annual basis, each individual course is the subject of a formal COURSE ASSESSMENT. The principal purposes of this event are to measure how well the course is accomplishing its objectives, to determine if the course objectives contribute appropriately to the program objectives, and to generate appropriate c u se changes (indicated by the innermost “feedback loops” in Figure 1). Course assessment results also serve as input to an annual PROGRAM ASSESSMENT, the first of two program-level assessment activities. The program assessment measures how well the program is accomplishing its objectives, determines if the program objectives contribute appropriately to the institutional goals, and generates internal program changes—global modifications to the program that are within the authority of the program director to change . The program assessment also serves to Session 2513