5 credits
At the thought-leadership level, the context of sociological, political, and economic demands are primary to understanding the purpose of assessment and evaluation. This course will focus on the decision-making models that influence assessment, evaluation, and accountability systems. Topics include political astuteness; knowledge of sociological structures, including roles, status, power, rewards, and sanctions; as well as cost-benefit analyses, responsiveness to federal/state mandates, and organizational goals and objectives.