PULLMAN, Wash. – The National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment has selected the WSU’s Office of Assessment of Teaching and Learning website to be featured this month as a model for communication practices and resource accessibility.
NILOA is widely-recognized as a pre-eminent organization in the area of student learning outcomes assessment in higher education. Its featured-website initiative highlights promising practices in innovative and transparent communication of assessment, and promotes selected sites as models to share nationwide.
ATL’s website was recognized in the categories of communication and centralized assessment repository.
“We’re delighted to receive this national recognition,” said Kimberly Green, ATL director. “Our assessment team has invested time to develop and improve our website and practical resources. We’re here to help academic programs develop assessment that helps faculty to offer transformational education for WSU students.”
ATL has worked with UCORE leadership and faculty to develop the companion website that provides reports on student achievement of WSU learning goals, such as critical and creative thinking, communication, and diversity.
“We appreciate the faculty across the university who regularly contribute to UCORE assessment activities,” said Mary F. Wack, WSU vice provost for undergraduate education. “There’s a lot to showcase about student learning as the new general education curriculum continues to evolve.”
Recognition for excellence in the categories of communication and centralized assessment repository includes these criteria:
Communication: The website clearly presents information on student learning outcomes assessment and/or results to multiple or specific internal and/or external audiences using layperson’s language and contextualized examples. Information is found on multiple pages across the website, updated regularly and easy to access and navigate via links or search engines. In addition, the site provides explanation or examples of the use of student learning outcomes assessment.
Centralized Assessment Repository: The website stores or links to assessment information in one central location, and includes one or more of the NILOA transparency framework’s six components, which include student learning outcomes statements, assessment plans, assessment resources, current assessment activities, evidence of student learning and use of student learning evidence.
For more information, see the NILOA website.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Green, director of the WSU Office of Assessment of Teaching and Learning, 509-335-5675, Kimberly_green@wsu.edu