Assessment Tool

The ACS Assessment Tool for Chemistry in Two-Year College Programs is a resource to help your institution evaluate the strengths and opportunities for growth in:

• Chemistry transfer programs
• Chemistry-based technology programs
• Chemistry courses offered in support of allied programs

The assessment tool provides a framework to develop a comprehensive portrait of education within the context of the ACS Guidelines for Chemistry in Two-Year College Programs.*

Developed and tested by two-year college chemistry faculty, the assessment tool can assist with a variety of activities, including:

• Internal program or departmental review
• Strategic planning
• Background for funding requests
• Support for college accreditation

Tips for Using the Assessment Tool

Here are some tips for getting the most out of this resource:

1. Decide what you want to accomplish.
   The assessment tool compiles a broad range of information to suit a variety of goals. New goals may arise as you work, but having a goal in mind at the start will help you focus your efforts.
2. Complete only those sections that help you with your goals.
   Not all sections of the assessment tool are applicable to all programs. You may skip those sections that do not support your goals.
3. Share the tool internally.
   Users of the assessment tool have reported that collaborating with colleagues and administrators fosters rich discussion about the status and future of the program. Even those users who complete the assessment tool on their own have found great value in sharing the results with colleagues and administrators.
4. Use the ACS Guidelines as a reference.
   The assessment tool is based on the ACS Guidelines for Chemistry in Two-Year College Programs. You may find it useful to refer to the Guidelines as you work.
   
5. Work on one section at a time.
   With the exception of Section XII, the assessment tool sections can be completed in any order. Users of the tool have recommended starting with whichever section seems easiest, putting the tool aside for a day or two, then starting another section.
6. Plan ahead.
   A number of factors affect how long it takes to complete the assessment tool, but plan to spend 25-35 hours working on it. Plan accordingly.
7. Be honest and complete.
   Any assessment is only as good as the information you put into it. Providing complete information and looking at it with an open mind will result in more robust results. Remember that the only people who will see the assessment report are those you share it with.
8. Ask for help.
   If you need help at any time, email Faculty Development or call 1-800-227-5558, ext. 6108. Staff will be happy to answer any questions regarding the assessment tool.

Contact Us

Please contact Faculty Development for more information on the assessment tool.