Implementation and Data Collection
Good assessment plans also include details regarding implementation and data collection. For example, if a course-level assessment is selected as a program measure, the assessment plan should clarify for all instructors in that course what the assessment items are and exactly when in the course the assessment is to be administered. “When” may be inherent because it is stated as a specific unit or lab within the course. However, if an assessment is not specific to a unit test or assignment, it should be clear what elements of the course should be covered before students take the assessment or complete the assignment.
An assessment plan can succinctly clarify other important details. Consider including:
- Semesters or date ranges for the assessment cycle
- Who will be assessed (students in what class?)
- When in that cycle the data are to be collected (state any specific unit(s) that must be covered before the assessment is administered, or provide a time frame such as ‘during the last regular week of class)
- Directions for reporting results
All academic programs at Palm Beach State College have developed assessment plans, and faculty in many courses have done the same.