A Reflective Guide to Effective Evaluation for Theological Schools

DESCRIPTION: Approved by the ATS Board of Commissioners in 2021, this guide offers a practical, reflective framework to help graduate theological schools design and improve evaluation of both institutional effectiveness and student learning in alignment with the 2020 ATS Commission Standards of Accreditation. It clarifies the purposes and limits of evaluation, emphasizes mission-driven and context-sensitive approaches over one-size-fits-all models, and highlights the shared responsibility of faculty, trustees, and administrators. The document outlines a simple but systematic process—from identifying outcomes and gathering data to interpreting evidence and implementing improvements—and surveys common practices such as student learning outcomes, rubrics, portfolios, benchmarks, and data use. It aims to make evaluation more meaningful, efficient, and engaging for member schools while supporting quality assurance and ongoing improvement. See a list of ATS Commission-recommended resources for evaluation of student learning.

KEYWORDS: open access / free access; ATS Standards of Accreditation (2020); Checklist for Effective Assessment; educational effectiveness; evaluation and assessment; institutional planning; student learning; student learning outcomes; theological schools

CITATION: Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools. 2021. A Reflective Guide to Effective Evaluation for Theological Schools. Association of Theological Schools. https://www.ats.edu/files/galleries/reflective-guide-to-effective-evaluation.pdf.