Postsecondary Student Outcomes

Book excerpt: This report presents the findings from a study designed: (1) to determine the current availability and utility of student outcome statistics in the nation; and (2) to examine the feasibility and desirability of nationwide institutional reporting of student outcome data. Following an introductory section on the purposes of the report and the approaches taken, section II addresses the desirability of student outcome data, focusing on the utility of the information and the necessary properties of outcome statistics. Section III explores sources of available data on postsecondary student outcomes and describes current capabilities for reporting institutional-level student outcomes, examining both institutional and state capabilities as well as other sources. Section IV discusses problems with institutional-level student outcome reporting, examining the quality of data that are currently available and the current and prospective uses of these data. Section V identifies those aspects of student outcomes statistics that require definitional specificity and describes data collection procedures and methodologies that could minimize the various problems of student-outcome reporting and produce useful and meaningful institution-level data. Finally, section VI summarizes the report and formulates conclusions concerning the desirability and feasibility of different approaches for obtaining student outcome information. Suggestions for specific actions that must be initiated if meaningful institution-level student outcome data are to be a reality for all postsecondary institutions in the nation are provided. Appendices include technical notes and summaries of definition working group meetings. (14 references) (GLR)