Assessment Handbook

• Introduction
  • Characteristics of Assessment
  • Necessity of Assessment
  • Benefits of Assessment
  • Glossary

• Assessment at HCC
  • Future Direction
  • Flowchart of Assessment
  • Timeline
  • Evaluation
  • Principles
  • Grades and Assessment
  • Success and Retention

• Assessment of Learning Outcomes
  • Course Assessment
    • Course Outcomes
    • Verbs for Writing Outcomes Using Bloom
    • Assessment Instruments
    • Resources on Assessment
    • Evaluation Methods
    • Resources on Methods of Evaluation
    • Level of Achievement
    • Course Outcomes Matrix
    • Example of Completed Course Matrix
  • Program Assessment
    • Program Curriculum Map
    • Completed Program Curriculum Map
  • Institution-Wide Assessment
    • Institution-Wide Outcomes Matrix
    • Completed Institution-Wide Matrix
  • Reporting
    • Online Report of Outcome Assessment
    • Completed Online Reporting Form
  • Assessment Plan Checklist

Characteristics of Assessment

Assessment is not an end in itself nor merely a means for gaining or maintaining accreditation. Assessment is a process to encourage continuous educational improvement. In order to assure continuous improvement, assessment must do the following:

• Communicate standards.
• Give direction to teaching and learning.
• Offer insights into students’ achievement of standards.
• Influence instruction.
• Provide feedback.

In addition, assessment promotes accountability among all stakeholders, both internal and external. Yet, the demand for accountability and transparency in public education is only one reason for the increased need for appropriate assessment.