Problems in use of performance indicators to assess college and university outcomes in the United Kingdom (UK), particularly for comparison of diverse institutions, is discussed. It is proposed that the system adopt indicators for each institution consistent with its mission. The role of peer review in this approach is examined. (Author/MSE)

The performance funding approach mandated by the Texas state legislature and devised by the higher education coordinating board to appropriate resources to colleges and universities is explained, and the responses of institutions to it are discussed. Focus is on problems encountered and lessons learned. (MSE)

First step toward creating staff interest in and capacity for change is realizing things could be wrong. Second is recognizing growth-inhibiting factors, such as narrow job and role definitions, evasion of responsibility, focus on events instead of long-term patterns, intellectual isolation and quick fixes, and structural fragmentation. True…

A study investigated the validity of eight indicators (acceptance rate, mean entrance test score, matriculants' class standing, faculty/student ratio, faculty background, instructional budget, retention, graduation rate) for assessing quality in higher education institutions. Indicators were more predictive of retention, graduation, and reputation…

Annual ratings that try to summarize the condition of public colleges are required in some states. The reports contain comparative data on individual institutions and are appealing to lawmakers and the public. Some see them as sources of useful policy-making information; others see them as simplistic answers to complex issues. (MSE)

Because the higher education outcomes assessment movement has gathered momentum, and because of its potential for good or ill, trustees must help presidents build on strengths and eliminate weaknesses of the process by being deliberate about institutional response, scrutinizing the literature, consulting experts, and persuading numerous groups to…

Problems generated by higher education institutional efforts to constrain faculty's instructional autonomy are evaluated. Given traditional administrative noninvolvement, such efforts can offend faculty expectations, leading to claims against the institution stemming from poor evaluations. Academic freedom values are examined as a heuristic for…

Traces the increasing emphasis on the assessment of two-year college student outcomes in each edition of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges'"Handbook of Accreditation" since 1978. (DMM)

Eastern Illinois University's Health Studies Department is developing a comprehensive plan for evaluating the professional preparation program. The article describes its methods, discussing how the plan can be adapted for other situations and noting how to use the Role Delineation Project Curriculum Framework to collect relevant, informative…

Describes the development of a systemwide institutional effectiveness assessment model in the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). Indicates that a primary goal of WTCS was to provide a measure that could assess systemwide effectiveness while preserving the autonomy of each individual college. Identifies four categories of effectiveness:…

Although selecting goals and indicators is the most challenging task of performance funding, implementation requires development of other critical elements: success criteria to measure institutional performance; indicator weights for percent of funding allocated to each indicator; an allocation method for setting the relationship between…

Analyzes three key areas community colleges should focus on when planning for the future: finding new sources of financial support, recruiting students, and assessing institutional effectiveness. (JDI)

Comparative alumni research data can be used by individual institutions and entire sectors of higher education to study, improve, and promote themselves. A large multi-institutional alumni study in Pennsylvania provides an example of the methods and benefits of such research. Aggregate findings in 11 key areas and specific key subgroup profiles…

Describes the assumptions and goals of the Performance Effectiveness Management System (PEMS) of the University of Arizona Library and explains how to integrate performance measurement with a new system that focuses on teams and organizational outcomes. Phases of PEMS include: mission-critical services, programs, and activities; setting quality…

The outcomes assessment process developed by the New Jersey Dental School is described and discussed, including required resources, selected outcome measures, strengths and weaknesses, and the evolution of ongoing assessment activities. Documentation produced as part of the process is also described so that other health professions schools may…