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10 Essential Skills Alignment & Assessment Initiative

Overview

At the University of Kentucky, we want to prepare our graduates to possess the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in an evolving world that strengthens not only their individual futures but also the prosperity and resilience of Kentucky for generations to come. The 10 Essential Skills Alignment & Assessment Initiative invites faculty to participate in a structured, supportive, and collaborative effort focused on: 

  • Aligning Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) with the Kentucky Graduate Profile (10 Essential Skills) 
  • Reviewing, refreshing, and streamlining curriculum maps to ensure intentional scaffolding of skills 
  • Designing or refining assessments aligned with CPE Learning Mastery Scales 
  • Promoting a shared language for learning and skill development that strengthens student success, workforce readiness, and program identity.  

This program will provide time, structure, resources, and support for faculty to engage in meaningful assessment and curriculum alignment work that focuses on the powerful contributions of faculty, the uniqueness of each discipline, and the value that coherent learning pathways bring to student success. 

Initiative Goals

  • Equip faculty with the tools and shared language needed to align PSLOs with essential workforce skills. 
  • Support intentional curriculum mapping that demonstrates how skills are introduced, developed, and mastered. 
  • Strengthen assessment practices using CPE’s Learning Mastery Scales to produce meaningful evidence of student learning. 
  • Recognize and elevate faculty leadership in advancing student success and institutional priorities. 

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the initiative, participants will have: 

  • Reviewed and refined PSLOs aligned with the 10 Essential Skills. 
  • Updated a curriculum map that intentionally scaffolds essential skills. 
  • Identified or redesigned at least one key assessment aligned with CPE Learning Mastery Scales. 
  • Developed or revised a rubric that clearly communicates expectations for student mastery. 
  • Gained knowledge to be a leader and resource for other faculty in their college on the 10 Essential Skills.   

Program Structure & Incentive

Programs and/or faculty participants will be selected based on alignment with the goals of the initiative; participation is limited.

  • Participants will complete this initiative in lieu of submitting a PSLO report for their undergraduate program during the 2026-2027 academic year.  
  • Participation spans Summer 2026 (Mid-August) – Spring 2027. 

*Program chairs are invited to submit applications that include two or more faculty members from the same program. Collaborative participation is encouraged because assessment is most sustainable and effective when approached collaboratively.  

Timeline & Commitment

Initiative Start: August 2026 
Initiative End: April 30, 2027 

Summer 2026

  • Half-day in-person bootcamp focused on:
    • Understanding the 10 Essential Skills
    • Discussion of Program Goals
    • Workforce Skills
  • Participants will complete a self-assessment needs survey to identify focus areas for the remaining sessions.

Fall 2026

  • Three 2-hour workshops with applied assignments.
  • Facilitated consultations and office hours available.
  • Participants work on:
    • PSLO review and alignment
    • Curriculum map refinement
    • Identification of signature or key assessments

Spring 2027

  • Completion and submission of:
    • Updated PSLO alignment documentation
    • Revised curriculum map
    • At least one mastery-aligned assessment and rubric
  • Submissions due by late January 2026.
  • Feedback Showcase hosted in mid-February.
  • Final revisions due by mid-March.
  • Showcase and recognition event held in April 2026.
  • Implementation of assessment project in 2027-2028.

Participation Requirements

In lieu of submitting the program PSLO report for 2026-2027 participants are required to complete the following:

  • Participants must attend required sessions.
  • Deliverables must demonstrate progress in alignment, mapping, and assessment.

Eligibility & Application Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be a program chair, or be a full-time faculty member selected by the program chair to participate as part of a collaborative program application for an undergraduate degree program.
  • Identify an academic program, major, or degree pathway as the focus of their work.
  • Commit to participating in all required meetings and activities.
  • Submit a brief statement describing:
    • What they hope to gain from the initiative
    • Areas of alignment, mapping, or assessment they wish to strengthen
  • Obtain a brief statement of support from their department chair or unit leader (if required).

Application Timeline

  • Call for Applications Opens: March 10, 2026
  • Application Deadline: April 3, 2026
  • Application Review: April 13-17, 2026
  • Notification of Acceptance: April 22, 2026
  • Confirmation of Participation Due: April 30, 2026

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on:

  • Alignment with initiative goals
  • Readiness to engage in curriculum and assessment work
  • Potential impact on student learning and workforce preparation
  • Commitment to participation and completion
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