Assessing and Externally Validating Graduation Proficiencies: A Study to Explore Lessons from the Field
This white paper presents the results of an independent study commissioned by the Senior College Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in the implementation of a proposed external validation requirement for accreditation. The study was commissioned to inform WASC on methods for undertaking validation and alternative approaches if external validation or benchmarking were not required, but made optional. Based on a review of relevant literature, as well as interviews with institutional stakeholders, subject experts, and WASC project leaders, the paper explores a range of definitions and approaches for externally validating the assessment of core and graduation proficiencies, with attention to case studies from the literature illustrating advantages and challenges involved in current proficiency assessment practices.
