Write down a set of learning objectives for students in each course. For example, what should educators expect students in introductory composition to know at the end of the course? An example of a learning objective statement for an introductory composition course is: "Students should be able to research a topic using the resources from the library."
Determine the outcomes for each learning objective. In other words, how will you measure whether the students have met the learning objectives? Consider which tools you will use to measure the outcome, such as a test score or a project. Next, consider what constitutes success on that given objective. For example, the outcome statement for the objective statement listed in step 1 is: "80 percent of students should demonstrate an ability to research using library resources by earning a score of 75 percent or more on the research portion of the rubric."
Decide who will determine whether the students are meeting the outcomes. Usually the assessment requires outside reviewers so the instructors don't merely resort to grade inflation to make it appear as though their students are meeting the objectives.
Each semester or year at the end of the course, measure the student achievement according to your assessment plan. If the students met the objective according to the outsider reviewers, then you have been successful in aligning your curriculum with the learning outcomes. If you did not meet the criteria, then you must adjust your teaching to ensure that more students successfully meet the standards.