One College’s Journey through Assessment via an Annual Tax Service Learning Project

• In Event: Input/Output quality in academia and Non profits
  In Dialogue Session: Input/Output Quality in Academia and Nonprofits

Abstract

Quality input produces quality output, right? In the past, the mentality of assessment followed this line of thought. High-quality professors would likely produce well-educated graduates. However, over the past several years the accrediting agencies have shifted their point of focus from input to output, or outcome-based assessment. Assessment should be an ongoing tool that enables institutions to restructure coursework to achieve the desired student learning outcomes and produce quality graduates. Our college’s assessment results indicated an increase in comprehensive exam scores in the Tax section over a four-year period after course revisions were made. Utilizing the assessment process, we made key changes to the structure of coursework in an income tax class that opened up service learning opportunities, while enhancing student learning. What created this chain of events was realizing the students did NOT “demonstrate the ability to apply and interpret accounting concepts in practical areas of tax”. In addition, our college embarked on an extensive service learning opportunity that proved to benefit both the students through better student engagement with enhanced student learning outcomes, and the community through quality service.

Authors

• Barbara Sumrall White, University of West Florida

• Amy B Hulsey, Warren Averett CPAs & Advisors