Academic Assessment

Each academic program at UTSW utilizes a program assessment plan to facilitate continuous quality improvement (CQI) in education. The CQI process embedded in our assessment plans allows us to demonstrate compliance with specific standards of our accreditors. But our principal motivation for academic assessment stems from our organizational commitment to a growth mindset embedded in the core values of excellence and innovation. Assessment plans are the mechanism used by senior leaders to entrust program leaders with the freedom and responsibility to study, iterate, and innovate student learning in our institution.

While each program's assessment plan focusses on different goals, all share common features. Each plan features student learning outcomes (SLOs). "Outcomes" are also referred to as "objectives" or "competencies" or "goals" in other contexts. Each outcome is evaluated by at least two quantitative metrics (or, "key results"). Quantitative metrics are compared against a priori quantitative targets or benchmarks. At least one of the quantitative metrics for each outcome is a "direct" measure of learning. While quantitative data collection and review occur annually for each program, UTSW "closes the loop" on program assessment in three-year cycles. Organizing assessment plans in three-year cycles results in the analysis of trend data rather than a myopic focus on isolated results. Programs use trend data to uncover areas for improvement and then document the implementation of action plans and/or curricular changes to seek improvements.

Program assessment plans are centrally maintained in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Accreditation, & Assessment (OIEAA).