Regents College uses an integrated, multiple-measures framework for outcomes assessment. The assessment process is designed to fit the institutional mission, academic goals, organizational culture, and environmental context of assessment. (SK)

Discusses use of data for determining institutional effectiveness; identifies availability of national programs for student outcomes data collection, need for better qualitative and quantitative data, and influence of data on decision making. Review problems related to reporting data and using them in decision-making process. Concludes with…

The principal goals of the State University of New York (SUNY) Brockport's large-scale writing assessment are to determine if a writing program actually helps students to write better and, if so, whether that growth can be measured during the college years. Portfolio assessment has become an attractive alternative to single-test essay at SUNY…

Argues, with exemplification, that what is relevant to the undergraduate biology curriculum, as well as what must be covered by that same curriculum, can both be systematically addressed by the process of outcomes assessment, thereby assuring appropriate program perspective as a desirable precursor to major curriculum revision. (nine references)…

This progress report, as required by Act 359 of the South Carolina General Assembly, describes activities of a consortium of business and academic leaders toward development of a performance-based funding plan based on 37 performance indicators for public institutions of higher education in the state. Briefly summarized are the status of: measures…

This paper examines the role of outcomes assessment in the higher education accreditation process of the Middle States Association Commission on Higher Education region and considers future trends suggested by recent federal legislation. The recent reauthorization of the Higher Education Act stipulates an evolving role for the federal government…

This paper explores the issue of "state policy" and the assessment process and how it can be applied to improving the teaching and learning process in undergraduate education. Three distinct policy questions are addressed: (1) how can assessment focus attention on what college graduates in a democratic society should know and be able to do? (2)…

In 1990, North Country Community College (NCCC) in New York developed an outcome assessment plan as a response to a requirement of the State University of New York. The planning process began in summer 1989 with an inventory of current assessment processes and a review of their effectiveness. A new plan was then developed, reviewed, and refined.…

This report presents information on what changes might strengthen the Department of Education's role as the "gatekeeper" for approving schools before their students can receive federal student aid. The review focuses on the proprietary (for profit) school sector. The report shows that adequate controls are not in place within the Department of…

This report explores the issues and concerns related to the development of a process to assess college student learning. Its primary focus is the attainment of National Education Goal 5.5 by the year 2000 which reads, "The proportion of college graduates who demonstrate an advanced ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and…

This paper examines trends toward cooperation and collaboration between colleges of further education and universities in the United Kingdom especially increasing political pressures for wider access to postsecondary education. It notes that the trend toward a single postsecondary sector within which students can move freely from one level to…

This report provides a summary of testimony delivered at hearings around the country concerning Objectives Four and Five of National Education Goal Five that address the need to increase qualified student college enrollment (especially of minorities) and completion of at least 2 years (Objective Four), and the need to raise the proportion of…

This report explores some of the complexities involved in setting, maintaining, and judging standards in higher education, and examines the interactive effects that the standards of schools and colleges have on each other, with special emphasis on the implications of selective college admission practices. Focus is on whether current standards are…

This report is part of the effort by the State University of New York to assess, evaluate, and plan for efficient use of resources. The report covers seven areas: (1) funding, which includes data on percent of revenue derived from tuition, trends in revenue sources, sources of community college revenues, costs for students living in dormitories,…