Assessment and Academic Program Review

Assessment Framework

Student learning outcomes are assessed annually in accordance with NWCCU standards 1.C.1 - 1.C. 7 and Idaho State Board of Education (SBOE) Policy III.X. Consistent with the mission and Goal 2 of Idaho State University, student learning assessment is anchored within a framework of ongoing program review for continuous improvement. The process is systematic and continuous, as evidenced by annual program reviews, regular self-studies for programs without specialized accreditation, and external reviews for programs with specialized accreditation. The overarching goal of this process is to ensure continuous improvement of student learning and to enhance the overall quality of the programs.

This assessment process supports and empowers faculty to gauge student learning and provides them opportunities to:

Develop meaningful assessments for ongoing monitoring of student learning outcomes.
Document and guide continuous program improvement and curriculum delivery.
Evaluate the effectiveness of program assessment practices, reflect on program strengths, and identify aspects for improvement.
Implement action plans to enhance student learning.

The success of this process hinges on a shared and collective understanding between administrators and faculty that the primary purpose of program assessment is to enrich the educational experience and enhance student learning.

Principles of Assessment

Student learning assessment efforts are guided by the following principles:

Clarity: Student learning outcomes are clearly stated.
Faculty-driven design: The formulation and directions of student learning outcomes are designed and led by faculty members.
Equity and inclusion: Learning tasks are structured to ensure fairness and inclusivity for all students.
Continuous improvement: Results derived from student learning outcomes are used to improve student learning and enhance program quality.
Stakeholder involvement: Assessment practices and procedures are stakeholder-driven (administrators, faculty, students) to enhance student success.