Academic assessment at SPS is an ongoing process designed to foster continuous improvement of student learning. A well-structured infrastructure ensures the effective implementation and thorough documentation of assessment activities. Following a defined cyclical model, faculty actively participate in evaluating program learning outcomes each year, reinforcing a commitment to academic excellence. Ongoing support is provided by the Academic Assessment Manager in the Office of Academic Affairs.
Mission, Goals, and Learning Outcomes
All programs have a stated mission along with goals and measurable program learning outcomes. The assessment of the program goals and program learning outcomes is the focus of the annual assessment activity.
Curriculum Maps
Curriculum maps illustrate the alignment between program learning outcomes and course outcomes, providing a clear framework for how these outcomes are integrated into coursework. This alignment helps structure course content to enhance student learning. Additionally, the curriculum map serves as the foundation for an assessment plan by identifying where assessments should take place within the curriculum and specifying the methods used to measure each learning outcome.
Assessment Plan
Faculty develop an annual Assessment Plan that identifies the program goals and program learning outcomes to be assessed each academic year. Plans specify the courses and assignments aligned to the program learning outcomes that will be assessed. Expectations for student achievement are noted as are expectations for program goal attainment. Additionally, the plan identifies faculty and staff participating in the assessment process and includes any requests for additional resources needed to support the assessment efforts.
Assessment activity occurs over the course of the academic year with collection and scoring of student artifacts. Data analysis support is provided through the Office of Academic Affairs.
Assessment Findings
Faculty complete an Assessment Findings Report which together with the Assessment Plan constitutes the program’s Annual Academic Assessment Report. The Findings document includes a summary of the data analysis indicating the extent to which the program learning outcomes are met. Based on these findings, faculty determine whether adjustments are necessary to enhance student learning and support continuous improvement.
Assessment of Assessment
The quality of academic assessment activities across the college is evaluated annually. This process generates data on how programs assess learning identifying areas for improvement and professional development needs. The Assessment of Assessment analysis is included in the college’s Annual Assessment Report that highlights assessment activities and key findings across the college.