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Abstract - Student learning outcomes are statements that describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. In order to assess the extent to which an outcome is met, it is necessary to define an outcome in terms of measurable performance indicators. Rubrics allow collection of relevant data and their consistent interpretation. Using just one outcome as an example, this paper presents the approach used by the College at Brockport, State University of New York to define appropriate performance indicators, construct a curriculum map, develop holistic rubrics, collect data, evaluate, and use the findings for continuous program improvement.
Keywords: ABET, accreditation, assessment, outcomes, performance indicators, rubrics
1 Introduction
Accreditation is a review process that educational institutions undergo periodically for improvement of academic quality and for public accountability [5]. ABET is a recognized accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology [1]. The Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET accredits computing programs, in particular Computer Science, Information Systems, and Information Technology. The Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET accredits Computer Engineering and Software Engineering programs.
The College at Brockport, State University of New York is a co-educational, state assisted, comprehensive liberal arts college in Western New York, offering bachelor's, master's, and post-master's certificate programs. The Department of Computer Science is located in the School of Science and Mathematics. The Advanced Computing Track of the Computer Science Major was first accredited by CSAB [4] in 1994. With the integration of CSAB as a member society of ABET, the program is now accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET. The undergraduate program is a small one, graduating about 10 students per year. Moreover, since other unaccredited computing programs exist, students pursuing this rigorous accredited program are highly motivated academic achievers. The department does not offer a graduate program in computer science.
The Department of Computer Science at The College at Brockport, State University of New York has a long tradition of continuous program improvement through assessment of student learning outcomes. The department undertook a major revision of the outcomes and the assessment process following the release of the outcomes based assessment criteria by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET in 2006....