Overview

For many years assessment of student learning has been taking place at Rhode Island College. Programs that are accredited by national accrediting bodies have been meeting outcome standards required by organizations such as the Council on Social Work Education, National Association of Schools of Art and Design, National Association of Schools of Music, National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Credentialing Commission on Nursing Education. They are required to demonstrate how they meet externally derived standards which include, but are not limited to learning outcomes.

As part of a growing, national interest, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) includes a greater emphasis on assessment of student learning and program effectiveness. In 1998, an Ad Hoc Assessment Team (AHAT) was convened on our campus to identify and promote an awareness of assessment processes already in place at Rhode Island College. This ad hoc committee was granted more permanent status with the convening and naming of a new structure, Committee on Assessment of Student Outcomes (CASO).

Most recently, the College has adopted Plan 150, a strategic plan which includes goals and timelines for the development of campus wide assessment protocols and practices. Evidence of the College’s commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest standards of teaching and learning, is the renewal of CASO and the appointment of an Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for Assessment, Dr. Patricia A. Thomas.

The Rhode Island College community has benefited by the consultation of Dr. Peggy L. Maki who was initially hired by the Rhode Island Office of Higher Education to promote and support the development of assessment activities at each of the state’s public institutions of higher education. Representatives of the faculty in each academic unit have been meeting with Dr. Maki to develop, refine and implement assessment plans.