Achievement and Quality: Higher Education in the Arts

Evaluating Achievement and Quality

Evaluating External Perceptions of Institutions or Programs

This list indicates a number of factors that influence external perceptions about institutional and programmatic achievements and quality. These factors provide the basis for correlation and comparison with information from the lists regarding individuals and institutions.

Please note:  Institutions and programs concerned with arts disciplines are advised to pursue quality and achievement primarily in terms outlined in previous lists regarding individuals and institutions. Focusing solely on external perceptions reduces attention to the substantive bases of real accomplishment.

Important Considerations Are:

1. Reputation, history. The institution, and/or its teaching personnel, and/or its graduates have regional, national, or international reputations. These conditions have been in effect for a significant period of time. Association with the institution is seen as a credential in and of itself.
2. Exclusivity. There is significant competition for places within the institution or program. Significant numbers of high achievers are not admitted. Being admitted, and completing a program confers an image of distinct and unusual achievement.
3. Appearances. Facilities are impressive, promotional and other published materials and web appearances are sophisticated and effective with their intended audiences. There are strong associations and connections with other institutions, professionals, and organizations working at similar levels, and efforts to lead, provide assistance to others in education and the arts, and participate in efforts for the common good are publicly perceived and acknowledged.
4. Self-regenerating renown. The institution, school, or department regularly does well in polls, contests, ratings, and rankings.
5. Connections with the profession(s). The institution cultivates links with individuals, organizations, and institutions to support the career advancement of graduates and to receive consultation about its programs, their progress, and their improvement.
6. Placement of graduates. Program graduates are accepted into excellent graduate programs, jobs, or working situations. Or, graduates are equipped to place themselves by creating their own careers. Over time large numbers of graduates are recognized as high level practitioners.
7. Promotional presence. In direct and indirect ways, the institution constantly promotes its work among those with influence on its reputation. Significant resources are expended on promotional efforts. Methods are sophisticated and materials are targeted to specific audiences.
8. Financial condition. Wealth in itself is a significant producer of positive image. The distribution of available money for specific arts programs enables constant reputation building. Resource deployment enhances public image.

More Information:

            Evaluation Cautions
            Crafting Unique Evaluations

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Kindly report any Web site problems or broken links to Willa Shaffer (wshaffer@arts-accredit.org).

Thank you.