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CLA Measures

CLA uses written, student-constructed responses to open-ended assignments.

CLA poses real-world problems that students must address by:

  • analyzing materials,
  • evaluating evidence,
  • synthesizing information,
  • drawing conclusions,
  • constructing their own arguments for or against a particular position.

The CLA uses three key measures--developed by experts in psychometrics and thoroughly field-tested--to assess student abilities:

  1. Make an Argument: The ability to take and justify a position on an issue.
  2. Critique an Argument: The ability to evaluate an argument for how well-reasoned it is.
  3. Performance Task: Complete a real-world task, such as preparing a briefing report, using a set of provided materials.

Evidence of Learning: Applying the Collegiate Learning Assessment to Improve Teaching and Learning in the Liberal Arts College Experience, Copyright (c) 2008 Council of Independent Colleges