EDD814 Assessment for Learning and Organizational Improvement (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): EDD809  
This course introduces assessment as a core leadership practice for improving learning, programs, and organizations. Students examine assessment as an integrated process that connects goals, evidence, instruction, and decision-making within educational and nonprofit contexts. Emphasis is placed on assessment literacy and data-informed leadership, including framing meaningful questions, selecting appropriate measures, interpreting results, and using evidence to drive improvement rather than compliance. Students explore measurement concepts (validity, reliability, fairness), basic qualitative and quantitative reasoning, and common forms of assessment in adult and professional learning environments. Attention is given to culturally responsive and ethical assessment practices, equity in data interpretation, and the limitations of conventional evaluation approaches. Through applied activities, students design, critique, and refine assessment tools; analyze real data displays; and practice translating evidence into actionable recommendations.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Explain the role of assessment in leadership and continuous improvement, connecting purposes of assessment to learning, equity, and organizational decision-making.

2. Differentiate and apply qualitative and quantitative measures appropriate for educational and organizational contexts.

3. Interpret data displays and score reports (e.g., measures of center, variability, distributions, percentiles, standardized vs. non-standardized scores) to inform leadership decisions, including recognition of limitations.

4. Evaluate the validity, reliability, and ethical use of assessment tools, including attention to fairness, bias, confidentiality, and culturally responsive practice.

5. Design and refine an assessment instrument and translate findings into actionable recommendations for improvement.