Frequently Asked Questions

How may I obtain copies of Alverno’s longitudinal studies?

You can learn more our longitudinal research in Learning That Lasts: Integrating Learning, Development, and Performance in College and Beyond (Mentkowski & Associates, 2000). The research is recognized as the most compelling and extensive of its kind and the book has received the award for Outstanding Publication of the Year, 2000 from AERA’s Division I, Education in the Professions. To learn more about the book or to order it, go to: Jossey-Bass. You might be able to get a copy of Learning That Lasts through your library or inter-library loan.

Is the Student Assessment-as-Learning program administered through the ERE office?

Student Assessment-as-Learning is led by faculty, who are members of discipline departments and typically also ability departments. ERE’s function is in support of faculty, including program and institutional level assessment. This work includes aggregation of student assessment, which occurs in the classroom and in external assessments where students are expected to transfer and integrate their learning in new contexts.

How much support does student learning outcomes assessment have from administration?

The student learning outcomes, teaching for them, and their assessment are fully integrated into the curriculum, and have been so for 30 years. Students are required to demonstrate them in order to graduate from the College’s ability-based curriculum, which means that students must demonstrate their disciplinary knowledge in performance contexts. Thus, the student learning outcomes are fundamentally supported by everyone in the college, including the administration.