Assessment

Assessment is an ongoing process aimed at understanding and improving student learning. It involves making our expectations explicit and public; setting appropriate criteria and high standards for learning quality, systematically gathering, analyzing, and interpreting evidence to determine how well performance matches those expectations and standards; and using the resulting information to document, explain, and improve performance. When it is embedded effectively within larger institutional systems, assessment can help us focus our collective attention, examine our assumptions, and create a shared academic culture dedicated to assuring and improving the quality of higher education.

^{Angelo, T. A. (1995). Reassessing and defining assessment. American Association for Higher Education Bulletin, 48, 7-9.}

Assessment is the process institutions use to determine the degree to which they are meeting their goals and outcomes. Thoughtful, strategic assessment is a crucial component of Howard University's goal of continuous improvement.  At Howard University, we assess academic programs and administrative units through the Howard Annual Assessment Process (HAAP). We also routinely assess general education outcomes through internal and external processes. Assessment at Howard University is informed by Howard IDEAS, a representative body of faculty, staff, and students who give feedback on assessment activities at the University.