Implementing an Outcomes-Based Assessment Process in a Major Metropolitan Community College District

To propose recommendations for implementing an outcomes-based assessment program review in a California community college district, a grounded theory analysis was performed within the district. The findings generated were cross-referenced with findings from a multi-institutional case study analysis. A key finding from the cross-reference was the need for the leadership to clarify, across all levels of the organization, who the audience is for the data generated from the program review process; the indicators that each audience requires; and how that audience intends to use results generated from the process. These clarifications need to be accomplished prior to designing the outcomes-based assessment process.