Track 1: Responding to the New ABA Standard 314 – Assessment in the Law School and in the Field: What We’re Doing and How We Can Do It Better

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Session Type: AALS Programs

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In
summer 2014, the ABA adopted Standard 314, which requires law schools to
“utilize both formative and summative assessment methods in [their] curriculum
to measure and improve student learning and provide meaningful feedback to
students.” Because all law schools must follow this standard, externship
teachers must carefully consider how best to assess our students’ learning in
light of course goals and objectives.
Externship
clinicians are likely incorporating assessment methods in their field placement
course. Some may be doing so without realizing it. Others may be deliberate
about connecting their assessment methods with their course goals and
objectives. Given the new ABA Standard, however, we want to ensure that all
externship clinicians have the tools to create an assessment plan that best
measures student learning and that delivers meaningful feedback in the context
of the externship course. In addition, externship clinicians must consider an
additional set of questions about how to best incorporate the site supervisor
in the development and use of assessment methods because, unlike other courses,
student learning in externships centers on the student’s field placement
experience.
This
session will give attendees the tools to create an assessment plan for use with
their externship course. Specifically, attendees will identify and evaluate
course goals and objectives, the formative and summative assessment methods
they are already using, and new assessment methods for possible use. In
addition, attendees will leave this session better equipped to assist other law
school faculty and field supervisors in formulating assessment methods.