Barton is committed to improving student learning whenever and wherever it occurs.
Guiding Principles:
Assessment is not about the uniform
methods used to document our processes. Rather, assessment is about the unity of purpose, commitment, and dedication of Barton’s faculty and staff to ensure students are learning what they came here to learn.
To ensure Barton’s programs and services are of the highest quality, continually improved, and meet the needs of its students, the assessment of student learning at Barton:
- serves to improve student learning
- is comprehensive and based upon the values reflected in the mission of the college
- involves a variety of assessment methods
- is a systematic and continuous process for gathering and using information about student learning
- confirms the achievement of student learning outcomes at Barton
- is integrated as part of the culture at Barton
- is supported through on-going training and budgeting processes
Learning Institute
Barton’s Assessment Institute is an in-house training program developed to educate faculty and staff on the assessment of student learning and to develop the next generation of assessment leaders.
Where and How
Student Learning takes place throughout Barton. It is what we are about. Whether it be in the classroom, at a social event, or as a part of the Barton experience, learning is assessed to ensure we are meeting our responsibilities. Learn more about where and how we assess learning.
Evidence
Barton does not just want to collect data; we want to utilize data to achieve measurable improvement in student learning. We strive to close the gap between what is taught and what is learned. Published and made available to our various stakeholders, these reports are accessible for review as evidence of student learning.
Resources
With faculty members across the country, we want all instructors to feel involved and have the same opportunity for professional development regardless of where teaching occurs. As resources and training become available, they will be made accessible.
Why does it matter to you?
The staff and faculty at Barton are continually working to improve. They are interested in knowing how their students learn and how to improve their teaching methods. What instructors learn about their students and how well they learn the material will affect how the information is presented to the next class and the one after that in a continuous cycle of improvement.