IMPROVING ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS TO INCREASE EQUITY

Part of the Lindenwood University Certificate in Culturally Responsive Assessment Speaker Series

Facilitators: Karen Singer-Freeman, Christine Robinson, Harriet Hobbs, University of North Carolina-Charlotte

Description: Singer-Freeman, Hobbs, and Robinson (2019) investigated ways assignment features contribute to equity gaps.

Our matrix of culturally relevant assessment predicts assignments high in both utility value (perceived usefulness) and inclusive content (material that is equally accessible to all students) will most accurately reveal competence among all students. We share our measure of assignment utility value and inclusive content and results from a range of classes that support the importance of considering these features. We conclude with a discussion of specific ways to boost utility value and inclusive content in different types of assignments. Participants will gain an understanding of how assignment types may contribute to equity gaps and learn about best practices that increase equity in assessment.

About the facilitators:

Dr. Karen Singer-Freeman is the Director of Academic Planning and Assessment in the Office of Assessment and Accreditation at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Previously, Dr. Singer-Freeman served as an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Psychology at Purchase College, State University of New York where she received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Her research examines educational interventions that support the academic success of underserved students. Dr. Singer-Freeman has authored articles and book chapters on ePortfolio pedagogy and assessment, and was named a Scientific Thinking and Integrative Reasoning Scholar by the Association of American Colleges and Universities.

Ms. Harriet Hobbs is the Director of Assessment Systems and University Accreditation at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she provides leadership, direction, and support for student learning, assessment, and SACSCOC accreditation. Previously, she served as the Director of Institutional Planning, Assessment, Effectiveness, and Research at Johnson C. Smith University, and the Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning at Bladen Community College. Her 19 years of experience includes providing leadership for strategic planning, assessment, accreditation, institutional research, supporting teaching and learning, and promoting continuous improvement. She holds an M.S. in Public Administration and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. Her research examines the effects of noncognitive factors and equitable assessment practices for students of color. Harriet was a Campus Labs finalist in Exemplifying Great Collaboration across Divisions and the Campus. She was recognized and honored as Bladen Community College’s Staff Member of the Year.

Dr. Christine Robinson is the Executive Director of the Office of Assessment and Accreditation (OAA) at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The OAA team promotes continuous improvement in student learning, educational practices, and support services, and facilitates an institutional culture of ongoing and systematic self-evaluation and improvement. Her more than 20 years of experience includes collaborating with and leading academic faculty and staff in the assessment of educational practices and programs and institutional effectiveness. She has co-authored multiple articles and two book chapters and given more than 30 conference presentations at 12 national, regional, and local conferences.