At the 2017 PAAW, we asked our reviewers to provide daily feedback through a +/Δ  sheet. Many of the Δ responses we concerned the wording of specific learning outcomes (SLOs) and access to the rubrics based upon those SLOs. The most important aspect of assessment is action, and we stand behind that premise. In response to both the feedback we received at PAAW and recommendations from the Higher Learning Commission to consolidate our learning outcomes, the Assessment team and Dr. Josh Smith gathered a group of faculty to edit and create rubrics based on the 15 goals (and 71 SLOs) of Missouri State’s General Education program.

Provost Einhellig, Dr. Josh Smith, and the Office of Assessment saw an opportunity for this workgroup to make progress on both tasks. If we were going to take an in-depth look at the General Goals and SLOs to develop the rubrics, why not also look at and make recommendations on how to consolidate and clarify them?

Δ Responses that are being addressed through this work group are as follows:

• “Rephrase the SLOs in a way that the average student could understand them—if I give these targets, they would not understand them.”
• “Provide instructors with rubrics so that they can tailor their assignments to outcomes.”
• “Remind faculty of the SLOs and have them consider again what result they are hoping for in making particular assignments. Also, give them access to the rubric.”
• “Changes to the rubric language to ensure consistent progression from benchmark to capstone.”
• “On cultural competence, the general goal descriptions seem too simplified. Not as well-articulated as the other two pillars.”
• “Concerned that ethical leadership general goal 14 focuses on their values, though only one of the SLOs did so. I think it is important for them to understand their value systems, but SLOs 2-6 vs SLO 1 seems like the overall focus may need to be understanding value systems more than the self-awareness it is now.”
• “Rubrics created by the assessment office should be “given” to instructors teaching Gen Ed courses.”

By September 2017, rubrics aligned with General Goals 6-8 and 12-14 will be available on the General Education and Assessment websites. The work group used the Depth of Knowledge wheel to clarify the intended meaning and ensure consistent progression from benchmark to capstone. Throughout their work, the group has developed a rationale for recommended changes to SLOs, which will be presented to CGEIP and Faculty Senate for approval.  A new group will convene during Summer 2018 to develop the remaining rubrics.

The following faculty participated in the 2017 Rubric Development Workshops:

• Dr. Josh Smith—Provost Fellow for Transitioning General Education/ Associate Professor, Biomedical Science
• Juan Meraz—Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion
• Dr. Rose Korang-Okrah—Assistant Professor of Social Work
• Dr. Christie Cathey—Assistant Professor of Psychology
• Dr. John Schmaltzbaur—Associate Professor of Religious Studies
• Kathy Gibson—Assistant Professor, Greenwood Laboratory School
• Sarah Lancaster—Assistant Professor, Agriculture

Thank you all for your hard work!