Objectives, outcomes, and assessment mechanisms for CS programs [computer science education courses]

Recent revisions in the Computer Science Accreditation Commission's criteria for accreditation of computer science programs have introduced specific requirements for programs to have precisely defined objectives and outcomes, as well as suitable assessment mechanisms to assess how well the outcomes are being achieved and the objectives met. The program is also required to have suitable feedback mechanisms to assure that the results of the assessment mechanisms are utilized to improve the program. Finally, the program is required to document how the curriculum is related to its objectives and outcomes. Formulating precise objectives and outcomes, implementing suitable assessment instruments to evaluate the achievement of objectives and outcomes, and setting up feedback mechanisms to use the assessment results, are all challenging tasks for most computer science faculty. This paper presents the experiences of one program in doing this, and some of the lessons learned.