Characteristics of Good Assessment

• Begins early in the planning process
• Focuses squarely, though not exclusively, on explicit program objectives and intended outcomes
• Includes both formative and summative components
• Has the firm commitment of program leaders
• Includes all internal stakeholders
• Employs multiple measures to ensure the trustworthiness of all findings and conclusions
• Collects data in a continuous and ongoing manner
• Facilitates regular communication among stakeholders
• Establishes formal and informal mechanisms to ensure data is used in the decision-making process
• Has a clearly articulated plan and timetable
• Is flexible enough to quickly respond to evolving needs and circumstances
• Employs capable expertise internally, when possible, and externally, if needed
• Sees assessment as a vehicle for improvement and not just an external obligation
• Gathers, utilizes and disseminates data in accordance with recognized ethical standards
• Accepts that students and other participants are not experimental subjects
• Generates convincing evidence of program results and organizational effectiveness

Assessment, Research, and Evaluation Services

1. If the project/program is performed at or near Purdue University, there may be some Assessment, Research, and Evaluation individuals at the University.
   >> Purdue University Assessment Research Center
   
   
2. Independent contractors
   >> The Evaluation Center with a directory of evaluators.
   >> Global Credential Evaluators
   >> Measured Progress
   
   
3. Listservs on Assessment
   >> Click here for a list of Assessment, Research, and Evaluation listservs