This book challenges institutions and their programs to prioritize the use of chronological assessment results to benefit enrolled students in comparison with the more common practice of prolonged assessment cycles that generally benefit future students. Peggy Maki advocates for real-time assessment processes to identify patterns of underperformance and obstacles that require timely interventions for enrolled students to succeed. In tandem with the sets of educational practices and policies that many institutions have now undertaken to close achievement and graduation rates across our diverse student demographics, such as developing clear degree pathways, she calls on all higher education providers – if they are to remain relevant and meet their social purpose in our complex world – to urgently recalibrate their assessment processes to focus on currently enrolled students’ progress towards achieving a high-quality degree, regardless of when they matriculate or re-enter higher education. She demonstrates that we already have sufficient examples and evidence to implement real-time assessment of students as they progress through their studies. She draws on the practices of specialized accredited programs, such as those in the professions that assess in real time; on the experiences of institutions that have adopted competency-based education; and on the affordances of technologies that now provide faculty and students with up-to-the-minute diagnostics. She identifies the six principles necessary to implement a real-time assessment process, illustrated by case studies of how campuses have operationalized them to advance students’ equitable progress towards achieving a high-quality degree; and demonstrates the benefits of real-time assessment compared to more future-oriented processes, among which is engaging students in reflecting on their own progress along their degree pathways.She advocates for the use of well documented national outcomes-based frameworks such as Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP), its aligned Valid Assessment of Learning in Undergraduate Education scoring rubrics ( VALUE), the Degree Qualifications Profile, and discipline-based outcomes assessments to ensure high-quality degrees that meet well-defined standards and criteria. She also identifies how data systems and technological developments help to monitor closely and respond in time to students’ patterns of underperformance.The book is an urgent call for higher education to achieve the values of equity, transparency and quality it espouses; and ensure that all students graduate in a timely fashion with the competencies they need to be active and productive citizens. "Maki’s book offers a strong foundation for faculty, staff, and administrators who are interested in strengthening their assessment practices at the institution and program levels. Indeed, she presents a convincing case that real-time assessment is a best practice, particularly for those seeking to improve the experiences of currently enrolled students." Teachers College Record “Peggy Maki, not surprisingly, again advances the practice and the fundamental reasons for engaging in assessment of student learning. Maki issues a clarion call for equity to be the center of our commitment for action. Her call is for timely action that produces the evidence of improved student learning, enhancing at every step both retention and completion, and quality of learning for success in life, work and lifelong flourishing.” Terrel L. Rhodes, Vice President, Office of Quality, Curriculum and Assessment Association of American Colleges and Universities "Real-Time Student Assessment is the absolute best book on the market today for anyone engaged in student learning outcomes assessment. It is current, based on exhaustive research and actual practice, exemplified through multiple case studies and extensive references for follow-up. While assessment is typically required as part of regional, national and specialized accreditation, Maki demonstrates why real-time student assessment (RTSA) is different from many assessment practices, and provides both commentary on why RTSA is the most effective as well as step-by-step approaches on how to make assessment work for both faculty and students. I will be buying copies for many of my colleagues myself!" Ralph Wolff, President, The Quality Assurance Commons for Higher and Postsecondary Education; former President WASC Senior Accrediting Commission From the Foreword: “By the time results from traditional assessment approaches become available, a new academic term or year has begun, and faculty and students have moved on to a different set of academic expectations and challenges. In other words, the data that could inform and influence faculty and students to improve their performance come to the fore too late to be of consequence. How can we obtain―in real time―information that can help advance the outcomes we desire? Fortunately, this informat