I'm still not sure how to present direct assessment results in a meaningful and understandable format. Is there a guideline or template for formatting?

• There are several various reporting methods and means to inform and influence decisions makers. The one common thread through all of those methods is that for most decision makers, it is valuable if you can organize the reporting of the data around the issue for which you need a decision.

I am still struggling with writing objectives and goals. Will more practice help?

• Yes. And remember that basically, goals are broad general statements of what you want the program or students to be able to do or know. Outcomes are the measurable, observable end result statements of what those goals look like. For example, compare the goal, "Student Conduct Board Members will value critical thinking" with the outcome, "Student Conduct Board members will demonstrate critical thinking skills by articulating a deeper level (as measured by a rubric based on Facione's and Facione's research) of discussion and reflection when considering student misconduct cases". The goal is a general, broad, non-measurable statement of what you want student conduct board members to do. The outcome is expressing the goal in a specific measurable manner. The outcome is answering the question, "how do I know when students will be exhibiting critical thinking?"

How can assessment be incorporated into an annual report? 

• The purpose of our annual reports in Undergraduate Academic Programs at NC State is to highlight our accomplishments for the past year and address resource issues and program concerns for the next year. Thus, we do incorporate assessment results and decisions made and recommendations proposed into our reports. I don't know how to illustrate what I have accomplished without using assessment results.