Equity and Assessment Practices

At Western Michigan University, we are focused on the success of each and every one of our students, "so that all may learn", and one of the pillars of our mission is being a Learner-Centered institution.

In 2011, Wright said that research shows that when students are placed at the center of their own learning, this results in a more effective learning environment and improved learning outcomes. Building upon this research, in 2021 Henning and Lundquist note that this is also true for the assessment of that learning, and they go even further to advocate for adopting a more robust learner-centered assessment process that includes equity-centered assessment practices.

Equitable assessment practices can provide data to show specifically who is and who is not meeting the outcomes that we set forth. Through equitable assessment practices, we can gain actionable data to help improve our practices, both in and outside of the classroom, to build toward the success of all of our students.

More Resources and Information

• "Centering Equity in Assessment: Theories, Models and Practices" Anne Lundquist presented this webinar during the 2023 Measures of Success Series. She also shared a collection of excellent resources with us on this topic.
• Anti-racist Resources for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment - This document from the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment focuses on anti-racist resources for learning, and assessment for learning. Shared here is a compiled list of resources to assist with racially conscious assessment including scholarly articles and other papers, blogs, tools, webinars, reading lists, and organization statements.
• How do I ensure my assessment are equitable and inclusive for all students? - From the University of Minnesota - Center for Educational Innovation, this website offers resources and information related to equitable assessments in the context of education. It explores strategies, tools, and best practices for designing assessments that are fair and inclusive, ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
• What are equitable assessment practices? - Tufts University, Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching, this website discusses equitable assessment practices within the framework of inclusive and equitable teaching. It provides insights into how to create assessments that minimize bias, accommodate diverse student needs, and promote fair evaluation.
• Assessing Equitably with All Learners in Mind - From the Columbia University, Center for Teaching and Learning, this website focuses on assessing equitably in educational contexts. It provides resources, guidelines, and strategies for faculty and instructors to develop assessment methods that consider equity and inclusivity, ultimately fostering a more inclusive learning environment for all students.
• American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) - Annual conference on Diversity, Equity and Student Success
• "Considering the Effects of Assignment Choices on Equity Gaps" - Article by Harriet T. Hobbs, MPA, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Karen E. Singer-Freeman, PhD, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Christine Robinson, EdD, University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Back to Toolkit home page