During the 2011-2012 academic year, UW engaged in a pilot study using the Critical Thinking Assessment Test (CAT) to assess student learning at the programmatic level.  The test was initially developed by faculty at Tennessee Tech University. It has since been refined by faculty across the nation with the assistance of several National Science Foundation grants. The CAT measures critical thinking and real world problem-solving skills. Four programs at the university with an identified critical thinking student learning outcome participated in a year long project. The units participating were the School of Pharmacy, the School of Social Work, Veterinary Sciences, and the College of Business. Each program employed a different methodology for testing students based on their courses and program requirements. Nearly 300 UW students were tested last year.

Unlike other nationally developed tests, the CAT is scored by university faculty. Over the year, the Office of Academic Affairs in conjunction with the ECTL, organized several scoring sessions with faculty and staff from the four pilot programs and from other disciplines across the university. These scoring sessions last approximately eight hours. Faculty agreeing to score will need to attend the entire session. As appreciation for scoring, UW scorers receive $250 for each all-day scoring session to be used for any kind of professional development activity.

During the 2012-2013 academic year, the four units in the pilot project and Geology/SMTC will participate in the CAT project. The 2012-2013 Assessment Academy is focused on expanding the number of departments and programs using the CAT instrument. Zoology and Physiology, Kinesiology and Health, and Nursing are participating in this program and expect to begin using the CAT by the 2013-2014 academic year. UW will administer the CAT to approximately 700 students this year.

Faculty interested in learning more about the CAT test or interested in participating in a scoring session should contact Erika Prager at 766-2897 or ekprager@uwyo.edu. CAT tests will be scored in December 2012, January 2013, and May 2013.

• Information about the CAT test