Student Learning Outcomes Assessment for Academic Programs 2011-2012
Thank you for your ongoing efforts in developing and implementing an effective student learning outcomes assessment plan for each of your academic programs as well as your general education curriculum. Because of your commitment, Texas State was deemed “in compliance” during last SACS reaffirmation cycle.
Our commitment must continue! SACS requires each institution to submit five year reports focusing on specific standards such as 3.3.1.1 which includes measuring and improving student learning outcomes. While more institutions are meeting this challenge, the baseline for meeting the standard also appears to be rising.
Many improvements have been made in academic programs and student learning as a result of outcomes assessment. Let’s continue to make this great progress!
Developing Results Report: As we complete the 2011-2012 academic year, it is once again time to report the results of your assessment, hold dialogues on ways to improve student learning, identify action plans for improvement, and reflect on any improvements from previous actions. As always, it is important that results, action plans, and evidence of improvement are thoughtfully developed and written in a manner that is clear, easy to understand, and informative for any reviewer. For each method of assessment, results must be provided. For the entire outcomes assessment for each program, (1) an action plan must be developed and clearly described and (2) a single description of the evidence of improvement must be provided citing improvement from the previous outcomes assessment cycle (2010-2011). Note that an action plan and evidence of improvement should be cited for most, but not every method or outcome.
Deadlines: In accordance with Institutional Effectiveness Assessment Calendar, Chairs/Program Directors will review and signoff on all program Results, Action Plans, and Evidence of Improvement by May 31st. Associate Deans will review the results reports by June 15th. Deans will approve and signoff on the Results, Action Plans, and Evidence of Improvement by June 30th.
What’s New: Similar to the reporting of evidence of improvement, this year only one action plan for the entire outcomes assessment report will be due (compared with one for each outcome as was previously required).
Assistance: If you would like any assistance with the “Academic Outcomes Assessment” process or website, please contact Dr. Beth Wuest, Director, Academic Development and Assessment by calling 245-2112 or e-mailing wuest@txstate.edu. 
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