ACE Assessment

Assessment is defined as the process of providing credible evidence of resources, implementation actions, and outcomes undertaken for the purpose of improving the effectiveness of instruction, programs, and services in higher education (Banta and Palomba, 2015). Assessment helps to foster accountability that supports attitudinal and institutional change in a positive direction. The Office of Assessment, Culture, and Education (ACE) promotes the use of culturally-responsive assessment practices to determine the effectiveness of programs and initiatives, measure learning, and create a culture of continuous improvement. The term “critical” or “culturally-responsive assessment” refers to the planning of data collection and analysis processes that consider the identities and cultural backgrounds of stakeholders and promote fair educational practice, policies, and procedures (Lundquist & Heiser, 2021, para.4).  The implementation of these practices helps to advance the university’s larger mission of supporting a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

As members of the Division of Access and Engagement, ACE supports the division’s strategic plan through the following activities:

• Provide guidance on how to gather, analyze, and utilize data to improve campus climate.
• Develop and enact goals and objectives for the Division of Access and Engagement in alignment with institutional goals.
• Communicate to the campus community progress made by the institution in fostering a positive and welcoming culture and climate.
• Support commissions, councils, and committees that work to enhance student, staff, and faculty sense of belonging.

How can we support you?

ACE works with campus partners to ensure that assessment efforts are planned and conducted with the identities, backgrounds, and perspectives of those supported in mind. We view assessment as a process that is not done to members of the campus community, but rather in collaboration with UTK staff, students, faculty, and community members. To this end, we offer the following assistance to campus staff, faculty, and administration around assessment practices:

• Guidance in program evaluation for departments, colleges, and units
• Educational workshops on culturally-responsive assessment practice, accountability, and positive climate creation for teams (see below for a list of “workshops on demand”).
• Assessment plan design support and consultation
• Consultation on assessment reporting processes
• Climate assessment review and consultation
• Strategic planning assistance
• Assistance with effective communication of assessment efforts and results to stakeholders

Workshops on Demand

In addition to the services above, the ACE team conducts workshops and professional development opportunities on demand to educate members of the campus community about several different topics. Some examples of opportunities include:

• Building a Supportive Culture and Climate Through Design Thinking Approaches
• Creating a Positive Working Environment
• Defining Your Data Identity
• Demystifying Culturally Responsive Data Collection
• Understanding Culturally Responsive Assessment
• Data-Informed Decision-Making
• Empowering Leadership

We tailor these educational opportunities to meet the needs of your teams. Therefore, we require a minimum of three (3) weeks in advance for any requests for professional development.

For more information about our services and professional development opportunities, contact us today for a consultation!

Project Request Form

Resources

Banta, T. W., &; Palomba, C. A. (2015). Assessment Essentials Planning, Implementing, and Improving Assessment in Higher Education. Jossey-Bass. Center for Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment

Hood, S., Hopson, R. K., &; Kirkhart, K. E. (2015). Culturally Responsive Evaluation. In K. E. Newcomer, H. P. Hatry, & J. S. Wholey (Eds.), Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation (4 ed., pp. 281-317). Jossey-Bass.