CLA Measures

CLA uses written, student-constructed responses to open-ended assignments.

CLA poses real-world problems that students must address by:

• analyzing materials,
• evaluating evidence,
• synthesizing information,
• drawing conclusions,
• constructing their own arguments for or against a particular position.

The CLA uses three key measures--developed by experts in psychometrics and thoroughly field-tested--to assess student abilities:

1. Make an Argument: The ability to take and justify a position on an issue.
2. Critique an Argument: The ability to evaluate an argument for how well-reasoned it is.
3. Performance Task: Complete a real-world task, such as preparing a briefing report, using a set of provided materials.

Evidence of Learning: Applying the Collegiate Learning Assessment to Improve Teaching and Learning in the Liberal Arts College Experience, Copyright (c) 2008 Council of Independent Colleges