Collegiate Learning Assessment

Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA) measures student learning using newer methods. The assessment process takes a representative sample of students to detail how an institution has contributed toward student learning. By comparing students' abilities when they first come to college with their ability after four years, the CLA measures "value added."

The skills assessed are:

• critical thinking
• analytical reasoning
• written communication
• problem solving

Results are presented in terms of whether Earlham students are doing "better," "worse" or "about the same" as would be expected based on their entering skills as demonstrated in SAT and ACT scores. Scores of similar students at other colleges are also taken into consideration.