Students today can no longer rely solely on mastery of discipline-based information. They need to be able to analyze and evaluate information, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Beyond just accumulating facts, they must be able to access, structure, and use information.

CAE has pioneered the use of performance-based tasks in our Collegiate Learning Assessment to evaluate the critical-thinking and written-communication skills of college students. It measures analysis and problem solving, scientific and quantitative reasoning, critical reading and evaluation, and critiquing argument, in addition to writing mechanics and effectiveness.

Over 700 institutions—both in the United States and internationally—have used the Collegiate Learning Assessment to benchmark value-added growth in student learning at their college or university compared to other institutions. Now with CLA+, the updated version of the Collegiate Learning Assessment, new student-level metrics provide guidance to students and data to faculty and administrators for making decisions about grading, scholarships, admission, or placement.

Institutions can use CLA+ for additional admissions information for college applicants, to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of entering students. Results for graduating seniors may be used as an independent corroboration of the rapid growth of competency-based approaches among colleges. Graduating seniors use their results—issued in the form of verified digital badges—to provide potential employers with evidence of their work readiness skills.

If you have questions or wish to find out more, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) David Gastwirth, Director of Higher Education Programs.