Policy Accountability

Course Description

This course familiarizes students with assessment, policy-making, and accountability in higher education. Practical and theoretical approaches are explored. Power influences will be identified and examine, both inside and outside institutions including university hierarchy, state, and federal entities. Student learning and assessment’s impact on the present and future of higher education will be explored, including the roles of state and regional accreditors.

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate the power structures within a higher education institution.
• Analyze conflicts as potential clues of system dynamics in organizational challenges found in higher education involving staff, faculty, and administrators.
• Summarize the impact on higher education made by state and federal agencies.
• Analyze the way students are assessed in colleges and universities and the role this plays in accountability.