University-Wide Assessment Days: The James Madison University Model

Abstract

James Madison University has used dedicated Assessment Days for more than 30 years to collect longitudinal data on student learning outcomes. Our model ensures all incoming students are tested twice: once before beginning classes and again after accumulating 45-70 credit hours. Although each student completes only four instruments during a 2-hour testing period, 25 different assessments are administered, thereby allowing for the examination of student growth on a variety of different outcomes. This article describes our model and outlines the logistics involved in planning for Assessment Day, including the physical and human resources needed for its success. We also address changes we have made over the years and the challenges we continue to encounter. Our intention is to share lessons learned and encourage readers to consider how our model might be adapted for the assessment of programs both large and small at their own institutions.

James Madison University: Assessing and Planning During a Pandemic

“…Over the years, JMU has pushed the envelope with respect to assessment practice. We test all undergraduates before their first day of classes and again approximately two years later through Assessment Days (Pastor et al 2019). This data‐collection process allows faculty to make inferences about how much students have learned related to general education and other aspects of students' experiences.…”

University-wide Assessment During Covid-19: An Opportunity for Innovation

“…For more than 30 years, James Madison University (JMU) has used Assessment Days to collect longitudinal data on student learning outcomes. Our model ensures that all incoming students are tested twice: once in August before beginning classes and again in February after accumulating 45-70 credit hours (Pastor, Foelber, Jacovidis, Fulcher & Love, 2019). Although a student completes only four instruments each Assessment Day, 25 different assessments are administered, thereby allowing for the examination of student growth on a variety of different outcomes.…”

Let’s Get Political: Co-Creating and Assessing Civic Learning and Engagement

“…To measure participation in civic engagement activities during the previous semester, JMU Civic created the Civic Engagement Index, which was administered by CARS during Spring Assessment Days (Pastor et al 2019). Responses collected from 897 students in Spring 2021 suggest that the efforts of JMU Civic to promote political participation in Fall 2020 were effective.…”