The Implementation Plan
As described in the section, "Report and Use Results" each program is asked to develop an seven-year implementation plan as part of the Academic Program Review process. This plan provides an ongoing map for assessing components of the program over the next APR cycle and becomes the foundation for the next six years of annual reporting. The implementation plan includes, but is not limited to, an action plan to achieve program maintenance outcomes (e.g., the study of anticipated student profile over the next six years) and program learning outcomes (e.g., study on student achievement of critical thinking skills). The table below includes elements of an implementation action plan with guiding questions and suggestions:
Implementation Plan Components
(Adapted from University of Hawaii, Manoa Assessment)
| Plan Components | Guiding Criteria | Notes/Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Program Mission/Goals | Include a Mission/Program Goals that describe what the students in the major will know, value, and be able to do upon graduation. | See the University Mission Statement |
| Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) | List the program learning outcomes. |
3-8 specific, assessable outcomes are sufficient. Consider linking PLOs to Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) in course syllabi; regularly update PLOs in the University catalog |
| Program Maintenance Outcomes (PMOs) | List the program maintenance outcomes recommended as a result of the Academic Program Review. | Program maintenance outcomes generally include items that are not directly related to the assessment of student learning outcomes such as reviewing laboratory space, hiring additional support staff, etc. |
| Alignment (curricular mapping) |
Indicate where and at what level program learning outcomes are being addressed in the curriculum. This can be accomplished through the use of a curriculum map. |
Create a curriculum map in a department or committee meeting. |
| Assessment Methods/Activities | Describe the assessment methods to be used and appropriate for the learning outcomes. | Programs should employ multiple measures for assessing PLOs.
Each PLO should be aligned with at least one direct assessment method. |
| Assessment Process | Identify when each PLO will be addressed. Identify program faculty members best equipped to take a lead role in the assessment of each PLO. | A good tip is to first assess an outcome where data are already available (e.g., choose to assess writing because the department has a writing rubric and students are submitting written reports)
A program can assess one outcome a year, but plan to cover all outcomes during the seven year Academic Program Review Cycle Divide the workload. |
Implementation Plan Template
- Implementation Plan Template.doc
- Sample Implementation Plan - Biological Sciences.pdf
See also Report and Use Results
Updated: May 12, 2023