Assessing Student Formation: A New Overview of Approaches and Challenges

DESCRIPTION: This research spotlight by Christopher M. The, ATS Director of Student Data and Research, considers the current landscape of student formation assessment in graduate theological education. It highlights the challenges of measuring intangible qualities—such as emotional resilience, faith maturity, and relational depth—required by accreditation standards. By synthesizing findings from a 2025 research review and prior (2018) ATS data, the report categorizes common assessment strategies—ranging from personality inventories and spiritual gifts assessments to portfolio technologies and community discernment—while evaluating their respective benefits and limitations. It concludes by offering a structured set of considerations to help theological schools select and implement assessment methods that are theoretically sound, contextually appropriate, and aligned with their unique institutional commitments to student development.

KEYWORDS: open access / free access; assessment practices; Colloquy article; institutional mission; personal and spiritual formation; student formation; theological education; seminary; spirituality

CITATIONS:

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT: The, Christopher M. 2026. "Assessing Student Formation: A New Overview of Approaches and Challenges." Colloquy (Pittsburgh, PA), February 6. https://www.ats.edu/files/galleries/assessing-student-formation.pdf.

JOURNAL ARTICLE: Sandage, Steven J., Sarah A. Crabtree, Peter J. Jankowski, et al. 2026. "Student Spiritual Formation Assessment in Theological Education: An Overview of Approaches." Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care 19 (1): 90–115. https://doi.org/10.1177/19397909251400405.