Updates on AASCU & APLU Data Projects Christine M. Keller, PhD Executive Director, Voluntary System of Accountability APLU Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs AASCU 2012 : Addressing the American Challenge Council of Presidents/Business Session ▪ October 30, 2012 ▪ New Orleans, LA

Student Achievement Measure Collaborative effort by APLU, AASCU, AAU, AACC, NAICU, ACE to publicly report a more accurate measure of student outcomes. Characteristics of measure: Based on Success and Progress Rate from VSA Uses data from the National Student Clearinghouse Tracks enrollments, completions across multiple institutions Includes transfer-in students, first-time students

Student Groups & Reporting Periods Student Groups –First-time, full-time students –Full-time transfer-in students Reporting Periods –4-year snapshot –5-year snapshot –6-year snapshot

Outcomes Reported 1.Graduated from original institution 2.Transferred then Graduated from subsequent institution 3.Still Enrolled at original institution 4.Transferred then Enrolled at subsequent institution 5.Current Status Unknown

University of North Carolina at Asheville Fall 2005: First-time, Full-time Students

University of North Carolina at Asheville Fall 2005: Full-time Transfer-In Students

Next Steps Fall 2012 –Form working group, establish framework –Seek outside funding (Gates very positive) Spring 2013 –Build website infrastructure, design/test display –Encourage volunteer participation by institutions Early Summer 2013 –Institutions submit data through website –Website unveiled to public

the undergraduate student experience through a common web report – the College Portrait. Initiative by public universities to supply straightforward, comparable information on

VSA developed, launched in 2007 Sponsored by APLU and AASCU 300+ participating public universities Three original objectives – Demonstrate accountability, transparency – College search tool – Support innovation in the measurement and reporting of student learning outcomes

Goal: Directly measure, publicly report student learning gains (value-added) at institution level using a common method – Tests: CAAP, CLA, ETS Proficiency Profile Pilot period ends December 2012 Evaluated efficacy of the pilot in Spring 2012 – Conducted by National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA)

College Portrait: “ Information posted may not reflect the needs of prospective students, families or provide the information they seek to make decisions about where to attend college.” Student Learning Outcomes: “ The standardized test measures of student learning outcomes lack broad credibility and acceptance in the higher education community, undermining institutional participation and engagement with the VSA and campus faculty and staff support of the VSA initiative.”

“Mend it, don’t end it” Expand range of assessment tools and approaches Focus on specific audiences and communicating meaningful information

VSA participants describe, publish pilot project experiences using three part form – Required for institutions with no SLO results currently published – Strongly encouraged for all institutions – Data entry opened October 3, closes January 7 New SLO reporting options released for data cycle (week of Jan 18, 2013) – Deadline: Spring of 2015 – No data more than 3 years old

College Portrait re-focused from “college selection tool” to “consumer information tool to demonstrate effectiveness of educational programs” Instrument options for : – CAAP, CLA, ETS Proficiency Profile – AAC&U VALUE rubrics – critical thinking, written communication – GRE General Test Reporting options: value-added, benchmarking

Formed Communications Advisory Group - individuals from public affairs, communications, government affairs – Develop outreach strategy to recruit new participants and connect with key audiences – Identify and promote key elements on College Portrait: success and progress rate, cost of attendance, financial aid, future plans – Create streamlined view targeted at policy makers, government affairs professional

Questions & Discussion Contact: Christine Keller