OSPIE Launches 10 Essential Skills Alignment and Assessment Initiative

The Office of Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (OSPIE) successfully launched the 10 Essential Skills Alignment and Assessment Initiative with two kickoff sessions held on August 18 and August 21, 2026. More than 40 faculty members and academic professionals representing seven colleges and the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration participated across the two sessions, bringing perspectives from a wide range of disciplines and academic programs. 

The yearlong initiative brings together faculty teams from across the university to explore how Kentucky's 10 Essential Skills can be intentionally embedded, aligned, and assessed within academic programs. Developed by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), the Essential Skills framework identifies competencies that support students’ academic, professional, and civic development. 

Rather than viewing assessment simply as a way to measure learning, the initiative emphasizes assessment as a tool for helping faculty understand how students develop essential skills and how programs can use evidence of learning to strengthen the educational experience. 

Making Learning More Visible 

During the kickoff sessions, participants explored the purpose of assessment and its role in supporting student learning and continuous improvement. They were introduced to the 10 Essential Skills framework and began connecting the framework to their own programs, considering where the skills are reflected in existing learning outcomes, curriculum and assessment practices. Participants also discussed the goals of the initiative and how the yearlong process will support their continued work in these areas.

Participants were also introduced to the initiative’s structure, assignments, and milestones. Throughout the 2026-27 academic year, faculty teams will engage in  workshops, coaching meetings, and collaborative activities focused on program-level alignment and assessment. 

Cross-Campus Collaboration

A highlight of the kickoff sessions was the opportunity to hear from campus partners who shared perspectives from different aspects of student learning and success.

Representatives from the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) discussed the relationship between signature assignments, student learning, and assessment. Participants explored ways course and assignment design can make learning goals more intentional and visible to students. 

The Stuckert Career Center contributed employer and workforce perspectives, helping participants consider how students develop and articulate transferable skills that are valued beyond the classroom. 

Colleagues from the Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment's Innovation and Teaching Team (CAFE) shared perspectives on incorporating student voice into academic program revision and engaging students through active teaching and learning approaches. They also provided examples of how the 10 Essential Skills can be intentionally illustrated and reinforced through students’ learning experiences, offering participants additional ways to think about how students experience and develop these skills within their academic programs.