Use this checklist when preparing your annual assessment report to ensure clarity, quality, and compliance with institutional expectations.
1. Complete All Required Fields
Ensure the report includes essential elements such as learning outcome, author(s), academic year (start/end), term data collected, assessment methods, results, analysis, actions taken, next scheduled assessment, progress, and program level.
2. Write S.M.A.R.T. Student Learning Outcomes
Strong outcomes should be:
- Specific: Focused on particular knowledge or skills.
- Measurable: Avoid vague verbs like “know” or “understand.”
- Achievable: Reasonable within available time and resources.
- Relevant: Aligned to meaningful discipline-specific learning.
- Time-framed: Define when outcomes were assessed and when they will be assessed again.
Departments should typically assess 3–5 outcomes per year to keep reporting manageable; fewer may be appropriate for small or new programs.
3. Include at Least One Direct Assessment for Each Outcome
Each Student Learning Outcome (SLO) should be evaluated with at least one direct assessment that measures actual student performance. Typical direct methods include: tests, quizzes, presentations, theses, essays, or portfolios.
Indirect methods (e.g., surveys, course evaluations, alumni questionnaires) can supplement direct measures, especially when they provide insight into student learning experiences.
4. Include All Supporting Documentation
Attach copies of assessment tools and materials where possible. This provides evidence of how data were gathered and clarifies expectations for student work. Examples include rubrics, scoring sheets, assignment prompts, surveys, or exams.
5. Remove Student Identifiers
To comply with FERPA policy, remove names or any identifying information from student submissions, grades, spreadsheets, or files before including them in the report.
6. Present Results Thoroughly
Beyond overall averages, break down results by rubric dimension, question, or scoring item to show where students performed well and where improvement is needed.
Example presentation format:
- Question #3: 85%
- Question #5: 64%
- Question #8: 72%
- Question #11: 90%
7. Analyze Results Completely
Good analysis goes beyond stating whether benchmarks were met. It should:
- Use all relevant data (past and present)
- Explore factors influencing results
- Demonstrate thoughtful reflection that informs decisions and planning next steps.
8. Review Multi-Year Results When Appropriate
Comparing results across multiple years helps identify trends and can provide deeper insight into strengths and areas for improvement.
9. Describe Actions Taken
In the “Actions Taken” section, clearly explain what was done (or will be done) in response to the assessment findings. Include details such as:
- What was addressed?
- Who is responsible?
- When will changes be implemented?
- How will their effectiveness be measured?
10. Explain Extended Cycle Designation
If an outcome is placed on an extended cycle (e.g., fewer students, restructuring, faculty changes, external requirements), provide a justification in the Notes section and mark “extended cycle” in the Program Status field so it’s tracked institutionally.
11. Relate Methods and Actions to Outcomes
Assessment methods and actions taken should clearly connect to the outcomes being measured. If the same assignment assesses multiple outcomes, explain how it aligns with each. Actions should logically follow from data and analysis.
12. Clarify Conference Presentations & Publications
While student presentations and publications may reflect prestige, they are typically indirect indicators of learning unless reviewed against discipline-specific standards. To use them as direct evidence, include criteria and internal review results.