ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the background, purpose, context, and methodology of a system to assess the student learning outcomes at the institutional and program levels. Assessment of student learning outcomes (SLOs) not only provides evidence regarding an institution's achievement of the mission and delivery of instruction; it also informs strategic planning and facilitates incremental improvement at the course, program, and institutional levels with evidence-based decisions. The chapter begins with a brief background of the development of assessment initiatives, followed by a discussion of mission statements and the need for alignment with student outcomes and educational activities. This review includes methodologies for utilizing effective student outcome assessment to provide useful and actionable information to inform decisions about improving student learning. The chapter then discusses communication of assessment results and recommendations, and the development of faculty skills for assessment. It concludes with a case study of assessing general education (GE) student learning outcomes.
