Planning for assessment of student learning outcomes: a process within your grasp

Assessment in educational institutions is mandated by the public and by accrediting organizations. Faculty must plan for program assessment within the context of the college or university goals and assessment projects. Within the department or college of nursing, student learning outcomes must be assessed at the total program level and at the course and classroom levels. Faculty who are motivated to plan assessments and use outcome data should take leadership in the process. The process consists of determining the outcomes to be assessed, the measures to be used, and the standards to be reached. When data has been collected, it must be evaluated and used to make improvements. Finally, the assessment process itself should be assessed. This article gives examples of assessment methods for all levels of assessment at the institution, but especially at the program and course levels. A departmental assessment blueprint is included. The end result of implementation of an assessment plan is that at every level of the institution, excellence should be enhanced.