This is a conceptual framework for helping you and your unit in the development of your Assessment Plan for Student Learning Outcomes.

1.  Identify goals

Process:

1) Look at strategic plan and mission/vision/value statement

2) Ask faculty what graduates should know and be able to do at the end of their study

Example from Integrated Science:
Goal 1: Develop preservice teacher competency in subject matter knowledge.

Goal 2: Develop preservice competency in integrating science content and pedagogical knowledge.

2.  Identify objectives that can be measured to show that goals have been achieved

Start with goals and ask how students have achieved the stated goals or what action would show that students have achieved the stated goals

Examples from Integrated Science:
Goal 1: Develop preservice teacher competency in subject matter knowledge.

Objective 1: Students will show mastery of subject matter knowledge in biology.
Objective 2: Students will show mastery of subject matter knowledge in chemistry.
Objective 3: Students will show mastery of subject matter knowledge in earth science.
Objective 4: Students will show mastery of subject matter knowledge in physics.
Objective 5: Students will show mastery of subject matter knowledge in science process skills.

Goal 2: Develop preservice competency in integrating science content and pedagogical knowledge. 

Objective 1: Students will be able to develop unit plans or projects that show integration of the sciences.
Objective 2: Students will be able to develop and present lessons that demonstrate effective science teaching.
Objective 3: Students will be able to appropriately identify assessments of student learning in science.
Objective 4: Students will demonstrate progress toward becoming reflective practitioners.

3.  Identify actual measures for the objectives

Ask how you will measure the student actions that meet the stated objectives or exactly what mechanisms you will use to measure them

Examples from Integrated Science:
Objective 1: Students will be able to develop unit plans or projects that show integration of the sciences.

(1)    Measure 1: Integration Project in SCI 336

(2)    Data Collection for Measure 1: Students in SCI 336 are required to develop an integrated ecology project.  As part of this project students must incorporate and explain science concepts from different areas such as biology, geology, and chemistry.  The number of students that can adequately connect at least 2 science disciplines in their project will be determined using a common rubric developed by the faculty that teach this course.(a)    Data will be collected and analyzed annually.(b)    The instructor of SCI 336 will be responsible for data collection and analysis.

(3)    Use of findings for Measure 1: Results from the data analysis will be used to identify strengths and weaknesses with respect to science integration.  Weaknesses will be addressed by making appropriate modifications to SCI 336 or prerequisite courses.

Note: The above is an illustration of how we might conceptualize a framework of information needed for an assessment plan.  Please refer to the appropriate UAC documents for specific instructions.