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. The Director of Assessment and Curriculum oversees Academic Assessment at SPS.
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.
Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) represent the knowledge, skills and abilities expected of a CUNY SPS graduate at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
CUNY SPS Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
| CUNY SPS graduates should be able to | |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving | Analyze information, evaluate evidence, and formulate solutions to address challenges in their fields of study |
| Communication and Collaboration | Communicate effectively and collaborate with others to achieve goals |
| Cultural and Social Responsibility | Apply knowledge of cultural differences and inclusivity to address social issues in a responsible manner |
| Professional and Ethical Practice | Responsibly and ethically apply professional standards in the practice of their fields |
| Research and Inquiry | Conduct scholarly research using discipline-appropriate methodolgies |
| Knowledge and Skills | Apply discipline-specific knowledge and skills to solve problems and inform decision-making |
| Technological Proficiency and Digital Literacy | Use current and emerging technologies and adapt to evolving technological advancements |
| Workforce Readiness | Apply workplace competencies, including career preparedness and professional growth strategies to support workforce readiness |
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.