Planning and Implementing an Assessment Process with Performance Criteria for ABET Accreditation

One of the most challenging criteria for engineering programs to meet for successful ABET accreditation is the Criterion 3 Program Outcomes. In this criterion, ABET requires the program to demonstrate the extent to which each outcome is met by the program. This requires a good mix of direct and indirect assessment of student performance, systematic data collection, assembly, analysis and evaluation. But the main challenge is the development of measurable learning outcomes. This paper presents an approach that defines a set of performance criteria for each program outcome to convert all program outcomes into measurable learning outcomes. The performance criteria create a middle layer between course outcomes and the program outcomes. Primary steps for planning such an assessment system as well as the analysis approach developed to assemble the data coming from various assessment tools are explained in detail. The assessment approach presented in the paper can be a good model for new institutions or programs seeking ABET accreditation. It can also provide ideas for existing programs that have already been through previous assessment cycles.