Products & Services

STEPS Software

STEPS is a web-based system that simplifies the entire assessment process.

STEPS Training

Get the maximum benefit from the STEPS product with STEPS training.

QuickSTEPS

Fast track the STEPS setup process with QuickSTEPS.

Consulting Services

STEPS offers custom consulting on the assessment process.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 1: Does STEPS handle multiple choice answers?

Yes, you can upload objective scores in electronic form en mass. You can associate the scores from individual questions to specific learning goals and outcomes (objectives).

FAQ 2: Can faculty provide feedback to students on work submitted?

Yes, assessments and comments on each rubric trait can be seen by students if faculty so elect. In addition, faculty can annotate and modify the students’ work and save it in STEPS where students can view it.  

FAQ 3: Does STEPS meet FERPA requirements?

Yes, STEPS meets FERPA requirements, including use of encryption, student permissions, and use of Oracle database software with the Advanced Security Option.

FAQ 4: Is STEPS useful for programs with explicit accreditation standards like Education?

Yes, state and national standards are entered into STEPS and easily updated as standards change. Assessments are captured by STEPS and reported by standard.

FAQ 5: Can indirect measures such as surveys be handled by STEPS?

Yes, numerical survey summary results can be loaded into STEPS, and reported by learning goal and outcome.

Purchasing Questions

FAQ 6: What is the cost of STEPS, and how is it determined?

The cost of STEPS is based on student usage, not students enrolled.  For example, you may have 2500 students in your program, but will only assess 700 of them.  STEPS pricing starts at 0-1000 students.  We have found that this allows you to get your assessment effort up and running while easily staying in the lowest usage level. Please contact us for detailed information.

FAQ 7: What if our assessment efforts grow? Do we have to notify STEPS if the usage passes the level that we have purchased?

STEPS is fully expandable and will grow with your needs. You do not have to notify us and there is no interruption of service when you expand your usage.

FAQ 8: Can STEPS be used in different colleges or departments on campus?

Yes, STEPS was designed from the ground up to be an enterprise system to be used by all programs on your campus, including those with separate accreditation requirements such as Education, Engineering, and Business.  For reporting purposes, assessment information can be rolled up from major to program to degree to the entire campus

FAQ 9: How much does the training cost, and why is it required?

STEPS is designed for ease of use.  No training for student and faculty users. Training for assessment coordinator(s) is required so your team can start using STEPS immediately.  When we train you on the STEPS system, you will be able to load your assessment artifacts directly into the STEPS framework  built for your school’s specific assessment plan.  Please contact us for training prices.

FAQ 10: How is the training delivered?

We offer the following training options: Face-to-face (either in Chico, CA or at your site) or virtually with a live trainer.

FAQ 10: We are looking at a campus-wide adoption of STEPS, can we host ourselves?

Yes, STEPS offers an enterprise edition which allows you to host the complete STEPS software system. Please contact us for more details.

FAQ 11: In addition to the standard training, what support does STEPS provide to help get us up and running quickly?

STEPS provides an 18 hour-per-day help desk located in Chico, CA staffed with associates who are thoroughly familiar with STEPS. In addition, the STEPS partners are prepared to respond to your sophisticated assessment and technical questions. The STEPS partners have assessment experience in dean, associate dean, and department chair positions as well as experience in implementing program assessment at numerous schools.  The mission of STEPS is to provide the best support in the field.