Having more students achieve those educational goals, particularly goal 3, is central to the liberal studies mission of the University. Kentucky State University is the Commonwealth of Kentucky's "unique liberal studies" institution [Link to Catalogue_2007-2008_p7.pdf]. As stated in the KSU Catalogue, liberally educated students are those "who wish to think clearly, to argue persuasively, to write with clarity and liveliness . . . . [I]n short, liberal studies develop independent and critical thinking. . . [T]he development of independent thinking is the foundation for personal growth. The possession of specific skills, however important they may be, is insufficient if one is unable to confront life changes with resourcefulness and clarity of thought. Job skills change with the passing of time and the shifting demands of industry; however, the ability to think for oneself is the governing resource of truly educated individuals." [Link to Catalogue_2007-2008_p21.pdf]. Whether the subject matter is philosophy, politics, history, economics, mathematics, or biology, to name only a few traditional academic disciplines, the development of one's reading, writing, and critical thinking abilities is essential for mastery of each. The faculty of KSU recognized the importance of these foundational principles and included them as the first four of the twelve Liberal Studies Learning Outcomes for the liberal studies (general education) core: [Link to Catalogue_2007-2008_p21.pdf]
Students must be familiar with the conventions of standard usage in both written and spoken English and be able to communicate clearly and effectively.
Students must be able to use reason and logic to understand ideas, appreciate nuances and recognize ambiguities, and formulate their own position on issues.
Students must be able to understand and interpret reading matter from a variety of disciplines.
Students must be able to use the methods of mathematical and scientific inquiry to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information.
In its current cycle of assessment, KSU is evaluating the degree to which it is meeting those four Liberal Studies Learning Outcomes. Thus the learning outcomes associated with AWA educational goal 3 fit within the University's current assessment strategy and are appropriate given KSU's educational mission. Improving student attainment of AWA educational goal 3 will boost student performance as measured by the instruments used to assess the Liberal Studies Learning Outcomes (for example, the Rising Junior or CAAP exam and the Liberal Studies Core Committee Learning Outcomes Assessment). Attaining educational goal 3, however, relies upon meeting AWA goals 1 and 2.
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