Outcomes
Assessment is the process COS faculty use to collect information on student learning in courses and programs. Analysis of outcomes data helps identify needs, inform decision-making, and determine the allocation of resources. Improving student learning is a priority across the District. COS faculty
are committed to assessment as an integral part of the instructional
process, where outcomes assessment is ongoing, systematic and used for
continuous improvement.
Outcomes assessment is a process that depends on all campus constituents at COS. Divisions/departments assess
course and
program outcomes,
while the campus at large assesses General Education outcomes (GELOs) via the work of
the institutional
General Education Committee. Institutional Learning
Outcomes (ILOs) are assessed through the
Outcomes and Assessment Committee, with
reports distributed to the District via the governance process.
Course and Program outcomes are assessed on
a three-year cycle, as are Service Area Outcomes. GELOs and ILOs are
assessed according to the schedules set by their respective committees.
Scheduled assessment dates for courses (SLOs), programs (PLOs), and
service areas (SAOs) are maintained in the District's assessment
management system (Nuventive Improve) and can be viewed on the District's Assessment Cycle Schedule, which is maintained by the Outcomes Assessment Coordinator and available via the
Outcomes Assessment Committee documents.
The O&A Committee maintains a
Canvas site where you can find references, resources, tutorials and best practices for outcomes assessment at COS.
