Assessment Overview

Definition

Many definitions of assessment exist. The Committee has chosen to provide the following definition of assessment due to its focus on improving student learning:

"Assessment is the systematic collection, review, and use of information about educational programs undertaken for the purpose of improving learning and development.¹"

Assessment, thus, has come to mean something very different from grades and placement. If grading is primarily evaluative, a method of classifying students, assessment is primarily ameliorative, a method of understanding and improving teaching and learning.

For a list of assessment related terms and definitions refer to the Glossary,

Purpose

Accrediting bodies including the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) are placing a great deal of emphasis on student learning outcomes. New accreditation standards for community colleges make assessment a critical and mandatory component of institutional self-study.

Despite the misunderstandings and fears that some instructors have expressed about assessment, many of us believe that we should find ways to embrace it and turn it to the advantage of our institution and students. A carefully planned and executed process of assessment has many benefits. The development of assessment plans will give RCCD the ability to better compete for scarce resources in the form of grants and funding. Furthermore, assessment will foster innovation and lead to improvement in our programs.

Models