Coaching, training, and educational opportunities to increase assessment knowledge and skills.
Assessment in the AM

The Assessment in the AM series is A&R’s annual public speaker series, open to all on the University of Arizona campus. These trainings are led by subject matter experts from across UArizona and the United States.  Recordings available on-demand (no live online option). 

Spring 2024 

Propensity Score Matching  REGISTER NOW

Speaker: Ned Tilbrook, Data Analyst, Assessment & Research 
February 29th – 9-10:30 am  
Main Library Room B254 - Learning Studio CATalyst 

Abstract: Propensity Score Matching (PSM) is a statistical technique that is used to simulate a randomized control trial in situations where such a trial is impractical or impossible. It is particularly useful when trying to demonstrate the impact of a treatment (e.g. program participation, scholarship receipt) on an outcome (e.g. retention, graduation) by comparing those who receive the treatment to a comparison group who are statistically similar on other characteristics, or covariates, that relate to the outcome. This session will cover two common forms of PSM: 1-to-1 matching and Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (IPTW), giving attendees an overview of them and some resources for starting to use these techniques. 1-to-1 matching pairs each treated individual with an untreated individual that appears similar based on those covariates selected by the analyst. While this method is the more intuitive to understand and communicate the results of, it may not be particularly representative, especially when there are a small number of those receiving the treatment. IPTW uses statistical weights to create a comparison group that, when the weights are applied, is collectively the same as the treated group as measured by covariates selected by the analyst. This method eliminates the need to exclude any cases from the comparison group, making it useful for instances where there are a low number of treated cases. It can, however, be more difficult to communicate with a lay audience.

 

Web Accessibility and Survey Design  REGISTER NOW

Special partnership with UAIR's Institutional Data Summit.
 

Speaker: Jeff Bishop, IT Accessibility Consultant, Disability Resource Center 
April 4th 9:30-10:20 am 
Tucson Room - Student Union Memorial Center 

Abstract: Web accessibility is the practice of ensuring that websites and web applications are usable and accessible by people with different abilities and preferences. Web accessibility benefits not only people with disabilities, but also people who use different devices, browsers, languages, and network conditions. Web accessibility also enhances the user experience, the search engine optimization, and the legal compliance of websites and web applications. One of the ways to evaluate and improve web accessibility is to conduct surveys with users and stakeholders. Surveys can help to identify the needs, preferences, challenges, and satisfaction of users with different web products and services. However, surveys themselves should also be accessible and inclusive, so that they do not exclude or discriminate any potential respondents. This presentation provides a brief overview of the top accessibility issues that web designers and authors should be considering when designing sites and surveys, and how to address them using different survey tools, such as Qualtrics, Microsoft Forms, and Google Forms. We will review the common pitfalls in each survey tool and the question types that are the most inclusive in your surveys. Attending this presentation will give you some basic knowledge on web accessibility principles and specific guidance on building surveys that will meet the needs of all users that participate in your assessments.

 

Spring 2023

  • Leading with Logic Models and Theories of Change.  Logic Model Worksheet.                                                        
  • Dashboard Design Thinking (Review a recorded version of a similar presentation for Women in Data Science here).

Spring 2022

  • Assessing Structures for Serving and Indicators of Servingness as a Hispanic Serving Institution
  • Cutting through the Noise: Leveraging Data Visualization for Successful Communication of Results.  Data Visualization Resource Guide.