- What is the CLA?
- Why is it important?
- Do I get anything else for participating fully?
- What is the format of the CLA?
- Where and when do I take the CLA?
- How do I register?
- How can I find out more about the CLA?
- Who can I contact with questions?
What is the CLA?
While the tests you take in classes often measure the facts you've learned, the CLA measures student learning skills. It focuses on the skills most important to future employers and graduate schools: critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem solving, effective communication, scientific reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and critical reading.
The CLA is administered to a number of new freshmen at the beginning of their first year and to a group of seniors in their fourth year. (Freshmen are only asked to participate in the assessment one time, at the beginning of their first fall.)
Why is it important?
The information gained from all students, grouped together, will help the University know how well it currently supports students in developing these critical skills. Even more important, the information will help the University improve its instructional strategies.
Do I get anything else for participating fully?
Those who agree to participate in the assessment and who complete the assessment on the appointed date receive:
- Approval for early move-in to the residence hall on Wednesday, August 19, 2015. The $60.00 cost of the early move-in is waived, so there is no additional cost to the student.
NOTE: If a student takes advantage of the early move-in but fails to complete the assessment, the student will be charged the costs associated with the early move-in and meals.
What is the format of the assessment?
The CLA is designed to measure gains in learning critical skills between the freshmen and senior years. (You are only agreeing to participate in the freshman administration of the assessment.)
You will be given a performance task (about 60 minutes) and a series of selected-response questions (30 minutes). The performance task presents a hypothetical, but realistic situation and poses a question. You have access to information in an online “document library” for your use in formulating your response to the question.
Where and when do I take the CLA?
The assessment will be given on Thursday, August 20, 2015, in Morgan Library.
Detailed information on the time and location of the assessment will be provided to you later this summer.
How do I register?
Click here to register for the assessment. Select “CLA” from the department drop-down list.
How can I find out more about the CLA?
Visit the CLA Website, including:
Who can I contact if I have questions later this summer?
Contact Paul Thayer, Associate Vice President for Student Success, at 491-5312, or Karen Rewinkel, Executive Assistant, at the same number.
Karen can also be reached by email: Karen.Rewinkel@ColoState.edu