Foundations of Assessment: From Theory to Practice

This book unpacks the philosophies and theories behind assessment and builds upon that foundation with practical, how-to guidance for effective practice. Renowned assessment experts Levy and Jankowski thoughtfully explore assessment across both academic and student affairs, highlighting equitable strategies throughout to demonstrate the transformative potential of assessment to enhance student learning outcomes, support institutional decision-making, and ensure continuous quality improvement in higher education. With insights drawn from extensive research and work with over 300 institutions, this text prepares graduate students and practitioners to make informed choices around assessment.

Table of Contents:
1. A Condensed and Curated History of Assessment 2. Philosophies and Debates in Assessment 3. The Discipline and Scholarship of Assessment 4. Organization and Models of Assessment 5. More Than Mad Libs: Reframing Learning Outcomes 6. Establishing a Firm Foundation via Assessment Planning 7. The Art of Analysis and Taking Action 8. Personalizing Process Choices 9. Coordinating Capacity Building 10. Culture-Building Competencies for Assessment 11. Combatting a Compliance Mindset 12. Making Partnerships a Priority 13. The Promise of Assessment

About the Author :
Joseph (Joe) D. Levy is Associate Vice Provost of Accreditation and Quality Improvement at Excelsior University, USA. He has led academic and student affairs assessment and quality assurance for multiple institutional types. Scholar, author, presenter, and consultant, Joe enjoys leveraging his experience to talk assessment, quality assurance, and institutional betterment. Natasha A. Jankowski is Executive Director of the Center for Advancing Student Learning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA. She is the former Executive Director of the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA). Scholar, author, presenter, and consultant, Natasha examines philosophies, transparency, evidence-based storytelling, and student engagement in assessment.

Review :
"This volume addresses major approaches to assessing student learning and development and serves as a good introduction to the topic. The authors’ voices are distinctive, adopting an engagingly personal style that emphasizes “storytelling” as an advantageous vehicle for communicating practical lessons and illustrative cases." Peter Ewell, National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) "Foundations of Assessment is an essential resource for educators and administrators aiming to establish meaningful, equity-minded assessment practices. Levy and Jankowski expertly bridge theory and practice, offering a comprehensive, accessible guide that empowers institutions to build intentional, mission-aligned strategies. This book is a transformative tool for cultivating a culture of learning and continuous improvement across campus." Marilee Bresciani Ludvik, Director of Academic Effectiveness, IRE, Provost Office, WSCUC ALO, Professor of Practice, Leadership Studies, School of Leadership and Education Sciences "Foundations for Assessment: Theory to Practice masterfully bridges academic and student affairs assessment, coupling the “how” and “why” of assessment to advance student learning and development. Levy and Jankowski excavate often-unexamined philosophies and theories behind assessment practices while providing practical strategies grounded in rich conceptual frameworks. They weave wit and wisdom drawn from their extensive experience, making this book an essential guide for those seeking thoughtful, effective, and meaningful assessment work." Gavin Henning, Professor of Higher Education at New England College, Director of the Doctor of Education and Master of Higher Education Administration Programs, Director of the Center for Innovation in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship, and Chair of the Institutional Review Board "A timely and must-read text from respected thought leaders, Foundations of Assessment: From Theory to Practice provides comprehensive, accessible content designed to serve a variety of audiences interested in higher education assessment. Levy and Jankowski offer a compelling background on assessment’s history, purposes, and approaches; encourage the use of intentionally-aligned and evidence-informed practices; and outline the strategic leadership perspectives needed to promote effective assessment across campuses—and, indeed, the entire higher education sector." Stephen P. Hundley, Chair, Assessment Institute in Indianapolis and Editor, Assessment Update, Indiana University Indianapolis "As a movement progresses, taking stock of its evolution is an essential reflective practice that deepens and broadens our understanding of how best to move it forward. Levy and Jankowski a have done just that for the assessment movement in higher education. These highly respected experts in assessment trace the history, philosophies, and practices of the movement from its earliest beginnings to the present in order to recommend increased collaborative relationships across our campuses that will strengthen the fabric of an institution-wide commitment and deepen its commitment to advancing students success across higher education’s demographics. This work is a “must read” for graduate students, institutional leaders, assessment leaders, and professionals across a campus who teach and support students or have access to a range of yet untapped student learning evidence. I say “Bravo” to Levy and Jankowski for this historic contribution to higher education." Peggy Maki, Author of Real-Time Student Assessment: Meeting the Imperative for Improved Time to Degree, Closing the Opportunity Gap, and Assuring Student Competencies for 21st-Century Needs "Foundations of Assessment masterfully weaves history, theory, and practical strategy to deliver a comprehensive overview of the student learning assessment landscape and compelling guide to drive meaningful assessment practice. By championing an intentional and collaborative approach to assessment across academic and student affairs, this text empowers educators to make informed decisions about educational design and implement cohesive, responsive assessment strategies to enhance student outcomes. The result is a powerful roadmap for continuous improvement and lasting educational transformation." Jillian Kinzie, Associate Director of the National Survey of Student Engagement, Center for Postsecondary Research, Indiana University Bloomington