| Abstract:
The consensus in higher education recognizes that failures to respond effectively to accountability demands have made institutional comparisons nearly unavoidable. But those charged with improving educational outcomes learn little from ranking “America’s Best Colleges.” There is greater variance within an institution than between institutions, but the comparison expectation persists. Gary Brown, Director of Washington State University’s Office of Assessment and Innovation, will describe the system implemented at WSU that leverages technology and community to recast the comparison mandate. The approach, noted by organizations like AAC&U, is drawn from Brown’s team’s research (7 Best Research Awards), evaluation experience with many state initiatives, and major, cross institutional grants. The approach vests primary responsibility for assessment in the expertise of faculty and calibrates measures with external stakeholders. The model provides a useful, alternative comparison—not among institutions with disparate contexts, but within communities that shape and are shaped by the outcomes.
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