Citrus College defines student learning outcomes for courses, programs, certificates and degrees, student services, academic support, and appropriate administrative support services. Achievement outcomes are defined as well.
Student learning outcomes (SLOs) give us the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of instruction and programs on campus. Making improvements to instruction and programs via assessment, reflection, and analysis will enhance student learning and success. A SLO is the “measurable knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes that a student has attained at the end (or as a result) of his or her engagement in a particular set of collegiate experiences.” (From the ACCJC glossary) This encompasses experiences that include, but are not limited to, those found within a course, a program of study, a degree or certificate program, or services offered by the college.
The analysis and reflection of assessment results helps to close the outcome loop. It allows us to celebrate successes or to address any deficiencies discovered through the assessment process by making action plans. Analysis and reflection needs to be a group dialogue and used to tie assessment results to the college planning cycle. If the action plan requires allocation of resources, requests/recommendations can be made at the end of the program review document. Please see the integrated planning model on page 6 of the Integrated Planning Manual for a visual display of our planning loop.
