There are many reasons why faculty and staff at PPSC participate in the student learning outcomes assessment process. Through assessment we are better able to identify areas of excellence and areas in which improvement is warranted. The main reasons why we assess student learning are:

1. To confirm or improve student learning and educational quality: Assessment results help answer the following questions “Are students learning what we want them to learn?" and “Is there a way we can promote better learning?"
   
   
2. To meet the accreditation standards of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC): HLC requires that institutions demonstrate a commitment to educational achievement and improvement through ongoing assessment of student learning (Core Component 4B). Faculty are expected to participate substantially in the analysis of data and appropriate action on assessment of student learning and program completion (Assumed Practices B2C). 
   
   
3. To meet the requirements of specialized accrediting agencies: Assessment results are used by accredited programs (e.g. Nursing, Dental Assisting) to demonstrate compliance with programmatic accreditation standards.