A Handbook on Outcomes Assessment for Two Year Colleges.

This Handbook on Outcomes Assessment is written with direct support from a grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Instruction (FII) given to College of the Desert by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. The Handbook begins with a brief overview of what assessment is, including a definition, purpose, brief history and important process considerations in creating a successful and effective assessment effort on each campus. The Handbook then explores various methods and tools in carrying out assessment of student learning outcomes (SLO’s). The next four sections of the Handbook address four key areas of student learning: general education, program/major, basic skills and student and academic support services. A fifth section addresses issues of access and equity. The Handbook concludes with a list of definitions, a bibliography, including websites, and a variety of examples of assessment-related materials for two year colleges. It is the intention of the author to keep this Handbook current by adding additional new materials and examples as they become available. Suggestions and submittals should