Re: Exit tests

[Rick Tarara <rbtarara@SPRYNET.COM>]

----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Edmiston <edmiston@BLUFFTON.EDU>
To: <PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU>
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 1999 11:23 AM
Subject: Re: Exit tests


> We recently had to settle on some sort of exit exam because our
> accrediting body, the North Central Association, is requiring extensive
> assessment from all their accredited colleges and universities.

A late comment on this.  North Central is indeed concentrating on assessment
(something to harass schools with and try and justify their own existence),
but this emphasis DOES NOT REQUIRE exit tests.  Having just helped write our
department's assessment plan (which fit on ONE sheet of paper), I strongly
urge everyone else involved in these enterprises to look VERY carefully at
options before jumping into the 'exit-test mode'.  My fear is that if too
many schools choose this route, then North Central will demand such of
everyone,  and standardized tests (even home-brewed tests) are a real 'can
of worms'--IMHO.

Rick

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Richard W. Tarara
Department of Chemistry & Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
219-284-4664
rtarara@saintmarys.edu

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