Learning Outcomes Assessment

Policy

Student learning as a result of the instructional process is assessed at the course, program, and degree levels.  These efforts are managed through the following groups:

Program Coordinator of Curriculum and Learning Outcomes: assists faculty driven instructional assessment planning and implementation, and facilitates curricular improvement efforts within the College.   This coordinator also works with the Dean for Organizational Learning & Effectiveness in assessment for accreditation compliance; works with faculty, program chairs and deans in designing, planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional assessment activities; represents the College to external and internal constituents in support of assessment and initiatives; and provides broad leadership in creating and sustaining a culture of evidence and continuous improvement within the College.

Instructional Assessment Steering Committee:  provides broad representation for College stakeholders and is an oversight, advisory committee which develops in-house instructional assessment expertise, provides technical assistance for assessment efforts, provides financial support for assessment efforts, integrates instructional assessment with institutional effectiveness efforts, promotes instructional assessment, and assesses the effectiveness of actions taken to accomplish goals and make adjustments to objectives accordingly.

Student Learning Improvement Council:   consists of five faculty members who represent each instructional division on campus.  The mission of the Council is to improve teaching and learning at Tacoma Community College by providing leadership, mentorship, and education for the creation and implementation of meaningful and useful assessment strategies.  The Council’s intent is realized through action oriented practice within the College.

Purpose

To improve teaching and learning at Tacoma Community College by consistently and rigorously assessing student learning outcomes; to use assessment data to inform the college in the continual improvement of student learning.

To Whom Does This Policy Apply

All faculty and Instructional Administrators

References

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

• Standard Three:  Planning and Implementation
• Standard Four:  Effectiveness and Improvement

Definitions

Not applicable

Procedure

The Instructional Assessment office is located within the College’s Department of Organizational Learning & Effectiveness.  Assessment initiatives are coordinated by the department’s Program Coordinator of Curriculum and Learning Outcomes and are performed by instructional faculty.