Measures

A method of assessment (measure):

• Is the method used to gauge achievement of expected results
• Describes how students are evaluated
• May be direct or indirect:
  • Direct Measures are methods such scores and pass rates on exams, papers, presentations, performances, a grade on a set or subset of test questions designed to assess student knowledge of a topic, or scores and pass rates on standardized tests.
  • Indirect Measures include methods such as an alumni survey, a satisfaction survey, an exit interview, student participation rates or focus group results.

Assessment of an academic program’s student learning should include a mix of direct and indirect measures

• Examples of rubrics used to determine scores/grades on a paper, project, performance, etc. should be included as an artifact of the assessment plan
• Other supporting documentation may include examples of test questions, survey questions, or a description of the methodology of a standardized test

An achievement target:

• Is a minimum performance standard
• Includes the desired minimum percentage of students who should achieve that standard
• Asks “what level of achievement is acceptable as evidence of student success?”
• An example of an achievement target would be “100% of students will achieve a grade of “B” or better on the final project in [course name/number].
• Another example would be “85% of students who take the [discipline specific standardized test] will achieve a score that is equal to or greater than the national average score on the [discipline specific standardized test].