Curriculum Mission Statement
Learning Goals
Standards
Student Outcomes Assessment and Credential Portfolio

Student Outcomes Assessment and Credential Portfolio
Lackawanna College’s Student Outcomes Assessment Program facilitates the enhancement of teaching and learning by establishing an annual review process.  This process provides the institution, academic divisions and faculty with outcomes data to be used in making information-based recommendations for self-improvement.  Over the course of their studies at the College, students also engage in periodic self-assessment, whereby they evaluate their progress and development and, with the aid of faculty members, counselors and advisors, implement recommendations for academic and personal growth.  Such recommendations highlight ways they can become better learners and better career planners.

The principal outcomes assessment instrument at the College is the student credential portfolio.  To demonstrate their mastery of prescribed core curriculum program-specific learning goals, all matriculating students, over their years of study, compile a portfolio of documents.  This collection includes academic writing assignments, computer applications, printouts, data analyses, career assessments, resumes, commendations, and letters of recommendation.   These documents illustrate how students have achieved one or more of the College’s learning goals.  They also reflect recommendations for improvement emerging from regular student self-assessments.

Developing a credential portfolio is in itself a powerful learning activity as it encourages students to assume responsibility for their ultimate success, develop self-management skills, take pride in their work, participate in mentor relationships and heighten awareness of their personal and career growth.  The student portfolio also serves as a useful aid in securing employment.

Prior to graduation, each degree candidate presents a final portfolio compilation for review by the Portfolio Manager, who verifies that the necessary materials have been included.  In addition, the full-time faculty evaluate a number of representative portfolios to determine how well academic goals have been achieved college-wide and where deficiencies or weaknesses may be evident.  This review leads to recommendations for improvement in the teaching/learning process, which then become incorporated within the College’s Strategic Plan.