Colleges and universities have been criticized for their failure to educate students effectively. As a result, higher educational institutions have become increasingly interested in student outcomes assessment as an important tool for curriculum development and policy planning. This valuable work offers comprehensive coverage of issues, concepts, and practices in student outcomes assessment. The author explores the history of outcomes assessment, the role of governmental intervention in outcomes assessment, and the relationship between outcomes assessment and institutional accreditation.Sims begins by reviewing the political context of assessment programs and policies and by identifying and defining significant terms. She then traces the history of outcomes assessment programs at several institutions, and she studies the impact of federal and state initiatives on higher education. The study concludes with practical advice on developing assessment programs, and a valuable appendix summarizing and discussing important federal legislation in this area. Academic administrators and others concerned with educational policy will find this book a useful guide to a growing area of concern.