Using Direct and Indirect Measures to Assess Student Learning (Middle Level Math Endorsement)

In effective program assessment, programs and faculty systematically collect information about student learning, discuss results, and use that information to guide decisions that affect teaching and learning in the curriculum and the student experience in the program. Assessment allows programs to examine key areas including curriculum design, instructional effectiveness, and student experience. 

ATL Mini Grant Project: In the academic year 2015-16, the Middle Level Mathematics Endorsement Program in the College of Education received mini grant funding in support of their project, “Middle Level Mathematics Endorsement Program Assessment Project.” WSU’s Middle Level Math Endorsement program is a state-wide program designed for new (including teacher candidates) and experienced teachers who wish to add an additional endorsement or expertise in middle level mathematics to their current certification. The program’s mini-grant project involved the development and revision of multiple assessment measures including the creation of a rubric for assessing student work samples, the administration of student focus group interviews, and the modification an existing student survey collecting information on students’ perceived learning.

According to Dave Slavit, Boeing Distinguished Professor of Mathematics Education and project leader, this mini grant “provided key summer funding to support work related to survey development and analysis, as well as rubric development. Adjustments to the program, as well as individual courses, were made based on the results and analysis of the surveys and work samples.”

For additional information about assessment mini grants, including examples of other previously funded projects, see ATL’s Assessment Mini-Grant webpage.