This project-based dissertation described, in detail, a seven-step research and development (R&D) process used to create, and bring to operational use, an educational tool that supported the academic use of the assessment loop: the "Guidebook For Student Learning Outcomes & The Assessment Loop." The dissertation established the problem that this product solved, provided relevant research, including a literature review, and the process and methods that led to the development of this useful product. It described the purpose of this specific guidebook and for guidebooks in general. This project was informed by research of instructional design of text-based teaching materials, R&D-focused field-testing procedures, assessment theory and practice, programmatic and online course assessment needs and practices, and use of Moodle as an assessment tool and evidence repository. About the product: The guidebook is designed for use by Community College department chairs (DCs) and faculty members. It describes, from the viewpoint of a practitioner, each step in the process of assessment: from creating and measuring student learning outcomes (SLOs) to using assessment for improvement. It is hoped that use of the Guidebook by its intended audience will lead to more comprehensive assessment practices at the colleges where it is used. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]