Prairie View A&M University College Portrait

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Students
Find out more about the characteristics of students who attend PVAMU.
Admissions
See how many students applied, accepted, and enrolled at PVAMU. Learn more about students’ high school preparation and test scores.
College Costs & Financial Aid
Learn about costs to attend PVAMU and how much financial aid is typically awarded.
College Cost Estimator
Estimate your cost to attend PVAMU in a few simple steps.
Classes and Campus Life
Learn more about professors, where students live, and campus safety at PVAMU.
Student Experiences
Discover ways to be actively involved in your education at PVAMU – inside and outside the classroom.
Majors, Graduation and Next Steps
See which majors are most popular at PVAMU and what recent graduates plan to do after earning their bachelor's degree.
Student Success & Progress
Discover how many students who start at PVAMU finish their bachelor's degree and how long it takes.
Student Learning Outcomes
Figure out what learning gains to expect in critical thinking, writing, and other important subjects at PVAMU.

Student Learning at Prairie View A&M University

All colleges and universities use multiple approaches to measure student learning. Many of these are specific to particular disciplines, many are coordinated with accrediting agencies, and many are based on outcomes after students have graduated.

PVAMU serves both the college ready student who is frequently a member of the legacy generation and the first generation college student lacking proficiency in the areas represented in the core curriculum. Student learning outcomes in reading, writing, mathematics/critical thinking skills are measured through course embedded assessment, administration of national examinations (MAPP), and evaluation of progress in gatekeeper courses. Additionally, the state requires pre- and post-testing to determine improved proficiency in students who enter and complete developmental education courses. As students progress, direct measures of learning outcomes include performance on national major fields examinations, capstone course performance, and retention and graduation rates. Indirect measures include the National Survey of Student Engagement, the Non-Cognitive Questionnaire, and job placement rates. The University Academic Council and Faculty Senate assess measurements of learning outcomes and how to provide feedback on effective teaching and learning strategies.

Learning Assessment Examples

Pilot Project to Measure Core Learning Outcomes

Colleges and universities participating in the College Portrait measure the typical improvement in students' abilities to think, reason, and write using one of three tests. This is part of a pilot project to better understand and compare what students learn between their freshman and senior years at different colleges and universities.

- Results from the ETS Proficiency Profile (formerly MAPP)

The ETS Proficiency Profile (formerly MAPP) measures critical thinking, analytic reasoning, and written communication and reports separate scores on critical thinking and written communication.

Test Administration Process

Test Information

Critical Thinking Results for First-time, Full-time Students

The increase in learning on the performance task is below what would be expected at an institution testing students of similar academic abilities.

Freshman Score: 105
Senior Score: 111
ETS score range: 100 to 130

Average ACT scores for tested students
Freshman Score: 17
Senior Score: 18

Average SAT scores for tested students
Freshman Score: 835
Senior Score: 907

Written Communication Results for First-time, Full-time Students

The increase in learning on the performance task is well below what would be expected at an institution testing students of similar academic abilities.

Freshman Score: 108
Senior Score: 112
ETS score range: 100 to 130

Average ACT scores for tested students
Freshman Score: 16
Senior Score: 17