Paper was amended before publication. Issue was discussed at Curriculum Institute and with ASSIST/OSCAR representatives.
Whereas, Section II.A.6 of the 2002 Accreditation Standards states, "In every class section students receive a course syllabus that specifies learning objectives [emphasis added] consistent with those in the institution's officially approved course outline," and Commission representatives have interpreted "learning objectives" as Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), thus creating confusion in the field;
Whereas, Precise definitions for various assessment-related terms, such as "objectives," "outcomes," "student learning outcomes" (SLOs) and measurable student learning outcomes are often used interchangeably within the field and among our intersegmental partners; and
Whereas, If SLOs, presently ill-defined, are required in Course Outlines of Record (even though the 2002 Standards call for "objectives"), they would, in effect, usurp the instructor of record's traditional right and autonomy over classroom assessments;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges add an objection and recommendation to the Senate Paper The 2002 Accreditation Standards: Implementation objecting to the inclusion of Student Learning Outcomes in Course Outlines of Record when they promote a shift from a model that values academic freedom to one that tends to inhibit academic freedom; and
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges recommend that local curriculum committees not include Student Learning Outcomes that have not been developed or approved by local discipline faculty in Course Outlines of Record.