Divisional Assessment Team

In considering the many challenges, reservations, and misconceptions related to building a culture driven by assessment the assessment team kicked around many ideas and approaches related to how to ‘de-mystify’ this newfound divisional charge.  After much discussion, the group came to the consensus that many in the division may take a ‘turtle shell approach’ meaning departments, etc. may shy away when approached about their assessment efforts.

Related, one team member discussed how they read an article in grad school related to assessment and how to view it as going to the dentist.  Dentist visits are one thing that many people dread, put off, or downright avoid it all together.  Sometimes when people do visit the dentist they may brush their teeth a few extra times that day, floss when they do not otherwise do so, or employ other tactics to ‘fool’ their dentist.  However, a good dentist will be able to distinguish between these last-minute efforts rather than sustained care much in the same way good assessment is based on intentional long-term attention rather than rushed effort to document outcome after the fact or in preparation for a visit (institution reviews, program evaluations, etc.) 

Hence being the awesome bunch the assessment team made the connection that building a culture of assessment is much like a flossing turtle!! A flossing turtle demonstrates the confidence and sustained intentional efforts of assessment programs, outcomes, and learning as they are proud and happy to show off their bright shiny teeth (outcomes) to whoever may want to view them!