|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 | |||||
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assessment Initiatives at the American Public University System
APUS Student Learning Outcomes Initiative
The APUS Student Learning Outcomes Initiative was formed to clearly define and align our student learning outcomes at all levels of the institution, and to better enable us to define what we expect from our students and measure our stated goals. To design and implement this initiative, a committee was developed t 1) assess the degree to which the curriculum addresses institutional goals; 2) ensure that student learning outcomes are aligned at all levels of the institution; 3) clarify the relationship between what students do in their courses and what faculty expects them to learn; 4) ensure that students receive appropriate instruction so that learning outcomes are achieved; 5) enable degree programs and the institution to identify gaps in the curriculum; 6) enable the institution to ensure, document, and demonstrate curriculum coherence, and 7) include APUS stakeholders in the process.
National Testing Program
The National Testing Program is a component of the Learning Outcomes Assessment Program at the American Public University System. This graduation requirement was established to assess the general education outcomes to improve on the quality of instruction and learning efforts. All undergraduate students are required to take the Measure of Academic Proficiency and Progress (MAPP), a nationally sponsored test by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The focus of the MAPP is on the academic skills developed through general education or core courses, rather than on the knowledge acquired about the subjects taught in the core. The exam is designed to test college-level reading, college-level writing, critical thinking and mathematics within the context of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Additionally, Major Field Tests are required for undergraduate students in subject-specific areas (Business Administration, Criminal Justice, History, English, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology). It is also required for graduate students in Business Administration (MBA).
Rubrics Program
To establish standards in measuring and evaluating the development of APUS student's writing skills, the Assessment Council designed, developed, and implemented rubric matrices. These rubrics measure student competencies in the following areas: 1) Focus/Thesis, 2) Organizational Skills, 3) Grammar/Style/Mechanics, 4) Content/Subject Knowledge, 5) Critical Thinking Skills, 6) Use of Computer Technology/Applications, and 7) Synthesis/Analysis.
| ||||