Currently, American Association of Colleges & Universities’ (AAC&U) VALUE rubrics provide Central with valid and reliable instruments for the assessment of select Learning Objectives/Outcomes. First, the rubrics articulate fundamental criteria/dimensions for measuring Learning Objectives/Outcomes, thus providing Central with performance descriptors to effectively measure our students’ level of attainment of key learning criteria/dimensions. Second, the rubrics are nationally tested, thus allowing us to gauge our data against national scoring norms while meeting the validity and reliability standards that we expect. Third, VALUE rubrics provide us with a reliable means for assessing key Learning Objectives/Outcomes directly from Central courses, regardless of the discipline. A key feature of the VALUE rubrics is that they are not discipline specific and therefore can be effectively used to measure a learning outcome regardless of subject. Fourth, this model offers a sustainable assessment model in that it has broadened participation across disciplines while reducing individual faculty burden.
The use of VALUE rubrics was first piloted at Central in 2014 and then extended with Faculty Senate approval. Our campus-based use of the VALUE rubrics for GenEd Assessment of Learning Objectives/Outcomes has been highlighted at conferences and in national publications, including the Chronicle of Higher Education.
The following links provide a look at the VALUE rubrics as well as Framing Language for each respective Learning Outcome.
- Learning Outcome 1 (Aesthetic Knowledge)
- Learning Outcome 2 (Historical Understanding)
- Learning Outcome 3 (Scientific Reasoning)
- Learning Outcome 4 (Critical Thinking)
- Learning Outcome 5 (Oral Communication)
- Learning Outcome 5 (Written Communication)
- Learning Outcome 6 (Quantitative Reasoning)
- Learning Outcome 7 (Information Literacy)
- Learning Outcome 9 (Ethical Dimensions)
- Learning Outcome 10 (Civic Engagement)