Direct assessment is a competency-based program model in which student progress is measured solely by mastery of competencies rather than by credit hours or clock hours.
How it works
The institution designs competencies, assessments, and credit-hour equivalencies and submits the program for Department approval. After approval, students enroll and progress by demonstrating mastery. Aid is disbursed according to the approved equivalencies and payment-period rules. Faculty provide regular and substantive interaction and validate assessment integrity. The institution reports enrollment and outcomes using the established equivalencies.
Example: an approved direct-assessment bachelor’s program equates 120 competencies to 120 credit hours. A student who masters 30 competencies in a payment period is treated as having completed 30 credit hours for aid purposes and becomes eligible for the next disbursement.
How it differs
Credit-hour competency-based programs still use credit hours as the unit of progress. Prior-learning assessment awards credit for experience outside the program. Direct assessment uses competencies themselves as the measure of progress and requires explicit federal approval for Title IV.
Common errors
Offering a direct-assessment program without Department approval and disbursing aid. Failing to maintain documented credit-hour equivalencies. Neglecting regular and substantive interaction because the program is self-paced.
References
- 1. 34 CFR 668.10 direct assessmentTitle IV eligibility conditions
- 2. Federal Student Aid direct-assessment guidanceApproval requirements
Direct assessment is a competency-based program model in which student progress is measured solely by mastery of competencies rather than by credit hours or clock hours.