Running head: ASSESSMENT ESSENTIALS
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The 3 Phases of the Continuum of Assessment Essentials
Dexter James
Liberty University
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Abstract
This paper explores the explanation of the 3 phases of the continuum of assessment essentials. It
will also include judgment of the extent to which the continuum is adequate for addressing the
different aspects of higher education assessment at all levels—course, program, and institution.
Finally it will conclude by evaluating 3 ways in which utilization of the continuum can
contribute to establishing a culture of assessment. The main focus on the content of Banta and
Palomba 2015 Assessment Essentials.
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The 3 Phases of the Continuum of Assessment Essentials
Assessment are viewed as a continuum. Within the continuum contains three phases:
planning, implementing, and improving and sustaining the process (Banta and Palomba, 2015).
The first phase, planning phase, stakeholders are involved and purposes identified. In the
implementation phase, leadership for assessment is provided, with champions at the classroom,
department, and college levels and coordination at the institution level (Banta and Palomba,
2015). In the third phase of outcomes assessment, processes are improved and sustained (Banta
and Palomba, 2015).
The first stage of the continuum which is the planning stage is adequate for all levels of
levels of higher education. Each course that is taught in each institution needs to be properly
thought about and planned. The stakeholders are engaged in writing a new plan that will soar
above the achievement rate that they have set. Stakeholders cannot go into a new semester
halfcocked and expect milestones to be completed. When talking about the course, program, and
institution, they all tie in to each other. The institution has multiple programs which contain
courses. The planning stage is adequate for all levels because they are all linked together.
Without out one, the other does not exist. Will the success happen in one year? Probably not, but
Rome was not built in a day and neither will any prestigious institution. These success come
from years of planning and adjusting according to data collected and intense planning.
The implementation stage is more adequate for the program and the course. As stated in
the in the beginning stages of this research, the assessments are provided with champions at the
classroom, department, and college levels. The assessments and plans are implanted at this stage,
throughout this stage data is collected and all strategies that were made during the planning stage
are comprehended. The professors and also the students are a big part of this stage. All
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information that is collected is in sync with those individuals. The data collected from student
assessment data after being implemented by the professors is how the institutions discovers what
changes and improvements need to be made.
The last and final stage is adequate for the course, program, and institutions. The data
from the first two stages are improved and sustained. Therefore all the events that two place in
the first two stages are reviewed. All strengths are examined. The methods that are more
successful and can continue on the current plan. Also the weaknesses will be pointed out and
changed. The only way to grow as a university is to test and improve. This stage again as ties to
all levels of higher education. All assessment evidence will affect the university as a whole. The
change will not just affect one part of the institution, it will touch every part of it. This comes full
circle when the chain links are involved. An institution is only as strong as its weakest link. Keep
the chain strong by continuous maintenance and improvement. All assessment evidence must be
credible for stakeholders (Banta and Palomba, 2015).
The utilization of the continuum of assessment is very important to the improvement of
education at any level. I believe one way to develop the culture of the continuum is getting the
students more involved. Then students also need a voice in the planning phase of the
assessments. The students have first-hand experience of what is working and what is not
working. I do not think that should just always feel like the test dummies running the trial and
error. Let the students’ voice be heard. If the student s feel that they are heard that changes the
acceptance culture of each student. All it takes is one to agree with the continuum and the rest
falls in line after that. In order the younger generation to believe in something they also have to
be able to trust in something. Speaking from experience, a lot of students do feel that most
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universities are just there take their money. Sometimes it’s hard not to believe because when you
see that improvement are not being made, what else do you think?
Secondly, know those who you are assessing. What is meant by that is know the
demographics of each institution. Its turns out to be pointless if you are just hanging out
assessments because it’s the normal. Knowing your population also hints that you are hearing
you students and building a foundation around them and their needs. Students need to be treated
as family and not as objects just to improve the rating of your institution.
Third, include those who have left the institution. They may not be there anymore but
they still have a hand in the operation. More than anything they have struggled during their
durations at the university so they can have a helpful insight on the strengths and weaknesses of
the university. Even after they are gone they still want to see the university gain great success, so
I feel it is important to include them.
Proverbs 24:27 states by wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established;
by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. The key to great
planning is focus. Solomon did not ask for great riches or fame for himself, but rather he asked
for wisdom so that he could lead god’s people. Solomon demonstrates a key aspect of leadership
– knowing where you want to go before asking others to follow you. Once your personal and
organizational mission is defined, the methods become easier to clarify as well
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