In 2007, the Association of American College and Universities (AAC&U) launched Valid Assessment of Learning in Undergraduate Education (VALUE) rubrics in sixteen specific areas of learning. Having been tested for validity and reliability, they can be readily adapted to accommodate the language used to frame learning goals for individual programs. The VALUE rubrics have been embraced by regional accrediting bodies as an acceptable approach for institutions to use in assessing student learning. The rubrics represent an alternative to standardized testing, providing more robust and nuanced information on areas of strength and weakness in student learning across a wider range of outcomes. In response to common questions about the development and use of the rubrics created through AAC&U's VALUE initiative, this publication provides practical information about rubric-based approaches to the assessment of student learning. The authors address issues of validity, reliability, rubric modification, and faculty training. The VALUE Rubrics include 16 distinct assessments. They include: Critical Thinking, Ethical Reasoning, Information Literacy, Inquiry/Analysis, Oral Communication, Problem Solving, Quantitative Literacy, Reading, Teamwork, Written Communication and more.

See Mirror Items for a freely accessible pdf version of this article.