U. T. System Public Affairs Update for Chairman Miller

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THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
Results of the 2004-2005 Collegiate Learning
Assessment Prepared by the Office of Academic
Affairs February 8, 2006
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U.T. System Policy Goals for Student Learning
Assessment

• Improve curriculum and instruction
• Set goals for student learning
• Benchmark student learning performance
• Communicate student learning goals and results
• Essential component of our accountability program
• National Interest Commission on the Future of
  Higher Education

3
Collegiate Learning Assessment Direct Measure of
Student Learning

• Critical Thinking
• Analytic Reasoning
• Written Communication

4
Why Focus on CLA Measures?

• Employers value the development of these broad
  skills
• These skills are central to most college mission
  statements
• CLA measures are consistent with general
  education requirements of many institutions

5
Methodological Concerns

• Snapshot of current student population
• Small sample in some cases
• Do it year after year follow student cohorts
• Follow cohorts to understand value- added

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UT System Institutions versus National Sample
Freshmen
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UT System Institutions versus National Sample
Freshmen
National Avg. 22.50
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UT System Institutions versus National Sample
Freshmen
National Avg. 22.90
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UT System Institutions versus National Sample
Seniors
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UT System Institutions versus National Sample
Seniors
National Avg. 24.80
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UT System Institutions versus National Sample
Seniors
National Avg. 27.30
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Conclusions

• Our institutions are doing as well or better than
  the national sample
• Some of our institutions add significant value to
  student learning
• First snapshot benchmark continuing measures
  to assess value added
• Inform best practice within our system
• Area of national concern and interest
• UT System most comprehensive learning
  assessment program in the state and the nation
• National model for large and complex university
  systems in student learning assessment

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THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
Thank You