90-Minute Recording of Video Online Seminar • Originally Broadcast April 9, 2008 • $249

Most of the time, when we talk about “assessment” in higher education, we’re referring to how faculty members gauge their students’ learning and use the findings to improve curriculum, instruction, and campus services. At other times, we’re referring to how institutions gauge their progress toward achieving their missions.

But now state and federal legislators are calling for something they also call assessment -- common outcome measures, such as standardized tests, to evaluate and compare college performance. Can this work? Can assessment for improvement and assessment for accountability co-exist—even complement one another? What’s the difference? This session will explore these important questions and help you make sense of a confusing and sometimes thorny issue.

Knowledge benefits for you:
• Learn the difference between assessment for improvement and assessment for accountability
• Review proposed accountability measures and their strengths and weaknesses
• Understand the push behind current calls for standardized student testing
• Consider alternatives to these tests
• Receive articles for more in-depth reading
• Have the chance to ask questions of an assessment expert
• Invite colleagues to listen with you and engage in further discussion on this important subject

Who can benefit from this seminar:
• Faculty and staff responsible for assessment
• Institutional research staff
• Department chairs
• Academic deans
• Provosts
• Other academic administrators

Featured Higher Education Presenter:


 Dr. Trudy Banta

Available in CD or print transcript format. The CD contains a video presentation with PowerPoint and can be viewed on any standard computer equipped with Windows Media Player. Our CDs are not compatible with Macintosh computer systems. Presenter's handouts are included as a PDF on CDs and in hard copy with transcript purchases.