Program Level Assessment

Program level assessment measures the students’ performance of Program Outcomes. This measurement is assessed anonymously and is reported in aggregate.

Program Assessment at Schoolcraft College has been established through the identification of Program Outcomes for each Associate and Bachelor degree and select certificates that are offered. The process of Program Assessment seeks to measure the level of student performance as related to each of the faculty-developed Program Outcomes and explores ways in which a program can be improved. This level of assessment helps to meet the needs of our students, our goal of continuous improvement of curriculum, and is required by the Higher Learning Commission for continued accreditation.

Program Outcomes

Program Outcomes are the intended outcomes that identify what the student can do after successful completion of a specific program. These skills are considered essential to performing effectively at a job within the specific industry. The Program Outcomes for students earning certificates, Associate degrees, and Bachelor degrees are established to ensure students achieve the necessary experience, knowledge, and professional skills to be successful in their chosen field.  These program outcomes address a wide range of knowledge, critical and creative thinking, communication skills, technical skills, ethical and professional decision making skills, and other outcomes specific to each program of study. This breadth and depth of skills requires Program Assessment be conducted through a variety of tasks, such as the use of capstone experiences, educational portfolios, major course projects, final exams or other ways that support the measurement of student learning at the culmination of a learning experience.

The Department of Operations, Curriculum, and Assessment (OCA) collaborates with department faculty as they analyze how students are learning and conduct their own Program Level Assessments on an ongoing basis. Each year, a different group of programs carry out formal assessments of their Program Outcomes. Department Chairs and Department Representatives collaborate with faculty in assessment activities, including the review of processes, tools, reporting methods, and implementing improvements.

OCA works cooperatively to guide faculty through the process of assessment. We can provide resources such as ideas for assessment tools, timelines, and suggestions on process, identification of student data in Colleague, rubric development, feedback on data gathering tools, analysis of data, and logistical support. OCA will help to facilitate formal activities and collect information on reporting and evaluation during each academic year, as well as offer support to faculty and Instructional Administrators as they consider ways in which to improve student learning in individual programs.

It is through the strong dedication of our faculty and a clear identification of our outcomes that we can continue to develop high quality programs.