PDBPS - Best Practice in Student Affairs Assessment
Course Description
On their own, student learning and development outcomes assessment data have limited utility for improving student affairs and student success programming. However, program improvement can be greatly facilitated by asking two fundamental questions: “Why should this programming result in the desired outcome?” (i.e., program theory) and “Was the intended programming actually experienced by students?” (i.e., implementation fidelity). We discuss and provide resources to frame outcomes assessment efforts to answer these questions which are necessary for learning improvement.
Specifically, participants will explore topics such as:
• program theory as the mechanism undergirding all outcomes assessment efforts
• where to find evidence-based programming
• implementation fidelity to accurately depict the program being experienced by students
• finding and evaluating existing outcomes measures
• when and from who to collect outcomes data
• use of results to sunset, retain, or expand current programming
• a rubric to identify varying levels of quality assessment, which guides continuous improvement
“Best Practice in Student Affairs Assessment” is ideal for student affairs or student success professionals focused on designing and assessing co-curricular or student affairs programming. Those relatively new to assessment practices are welcomed. Seasoned student affairs educators, professionals overseeing student success programming, and assessment practitioners will be exposed to powerful strategies to advance best practice and professional development in assessment and program improvement.
Facilitators:
Sara Finney, PhD
Jada Willse, MA
Jon Henriques, MA