Learning Assessment
The Integrated Planning and Performance Excellence (IPPE) division promotes college-wide inquiry and assessment by leading and supporting the development, implementation, validation and reporting of academic and administrative outcomes at San Antonio College.
Supporting Student Learning and Marketable Skills
Are all students learning? This is the fundamental question at the heart of our institution and the charge of the Learning Assessment team. We believe that providing opportunities for students to attain Marketable Skills (THECB core objectives/skill areas) through experiences, not only in the classroom but through each interaction they have (academics, student success, co-curricular, and extracurricular) will prepare them with the skills needed for the workforce, as well as to continue advancing in their academic journey.
High-Impact Practices and Student Engagement
SAC has innovated assessment by incorporating High Impact Practices (HIPs) to support students in reaching their personal and educational goals through data, reflection, and development. By including practices that support equitable engagement opportunities for students, we can gain a broader understanding of our students. HIPs, such as the ePortfolio, are promoted college-wide to encourage student reflection and deeper learning.
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
Student Learning Outcome (SLO) assessment is collected via the eLumen assessment software platform. In addition to providing insights for data-informed decision making, the data provides students with real-time access to their progress in attaining their Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLO), Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO), and Institutional Learning Outcomes referred to as Marketable Skills. This supports the San Antonio College mission to “help students achieve their full potential by preparing them to graduate, transfer, or enter the workforce with effective critical thinking skills, communication proficiency, leadership ability, personal and civic responsibility, empirical and quantitative understanding, performance proficiency, and the ability to work effectively in teams.”
View the Marketable Skills page
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What are Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLO)?
The Course Student Learning Outcomes are a group of Student Learning Outcome (SLO) statements that specify what will be learned in the course and what the student will be required to know or demonstrate. The list of SLOs are printed in the syllabus under Outcomes. All instructors at San Antonio College whether full time, adjunct, and dual-credit are required to report the progress of their students in every semester, every course, and for every SLO.
What are Student Success Learning Outcomes (SSLO)?
Student Success Learning Outcomes specify what will be learned in Student Success areas and what the student will be required to know or demonstrate. At San Antonio College, we believe that every interaction with a student is an opportunity for learning.
What are Marketable Skills (ISLO)?
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) tie to larger college Marketable Skills, which are skills employers have asked us to incorporate into all degrees and certificates.
These skills will help students find employment, internships, advance in their career, and/or be ready to transfer to a university/college.
Why are Learning Outcomes Important?
Student Learning Outcomes are mapped directly to the Program Learning Outcomes in Professional and Technical (PTE) disciplines. Student Learning Outcomes in Arts and Sciences, PTE, and Student Success are mapped directly to Marketable Skills (Communication, Critical Thinking, Performance, Personal Responsibility, Social Responsibility, Leadership, Teamwork, and Empirical and Quantitative Skills). Students mastering outcomes in their courses gain the skills necessary to transfer to a 4-year institution or go directly into the workforce.
Our Assessment Cycle of Improvement
Academic Success
Learning Assessment Cycle of Improvement
The San Antonio College Learning Assessment Cycle of Improvement is a continuous process used to evaluate and improve student learning.
The cycle includes the following steps:
- Define student learning outcomes (SLOs, CSLOs, PSLOs) and marketable skills
- Plan the method of assessment
- Conduct assessment
- Summarize results
- Reflect on the data
- Develop enhancements and action plans
- Implement improvements
These steps repeat in an ongoing loop to support continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and student success.
View a pdf version of the Academic Success - Cycle of Improvement model
Student Success
Learning Assessment Cycle of Improvement
The San Antonio College Learning Assessment Cycle of Improvement is a continuous process used to evaluate and improve student learning.
The cycle includes the following steps:
- Define student learning outcomes (SSLOs) and marketable skills
- Plan the method of assessment
- Conduct assessment
- Summarize results
- Reflect on the data
- Develop enhancements and action plans
- Implement improvements
These steps repeat in an ongoing loop to support continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and student success.
View a pdf version of the Student Success - Cycle of Improvement model