LATTC Program Review

Transcription

1 LATTC Program Review Department Level - SLO assessment findings & proposed changes Academic Affairs Division SLO assessment allow faculty to pinpoint where students are falling through the cracks. SLO assessments allow faculty to make the necessary changes to course content toward achieving student success goals. Need to adjust some of the rubrics used for assessment. Increase utilization of the Writing Center and Open Computer Lab. The need to re-examine the SLOs to make sure they are relevant or do they need to be re-evaluated. SLOs need to be more specific and measurable. curriculum, Align curriculum with each course to DVDs, Textbooks and Study Guides. Re-evaluate curriculum to meet industry standards. Increase collaboration with Library and Writing/Reading Center. Expand SLOs in courses as faculty become better versed at creating and assessing them. Train faculty to use more interactive methods of teaching. Administration of Justice - (Correctional Science) SLO's - Difficulties with the online environment, Writing skills of the students sadly lacking at the beginning of the program and has a negative impact on the success rate for some of the programs. curriculum, More training for students on the online course management system. Recommendations for students to avail themselves of writing laboratory services. Allied Health Department Our new curriculum is proving to be more effective than the old curriculum judging by the significant increase in NCLEX pass rate. In addition, the utilization of A.T.I. testing as a required supplement to the curriculum has increased our students' ability to practice as entry level RNs judging by preceptor evaluations and NCLEX scores. However, agencies are limiting the procedures that students are allowed to do necessitating more use of the simulation labs. The CNA course, HOC 37, will not be offered in spring The course needs to be re-approved by the Department of Public Health. The forms will be sent to Sacramento in January. Allied Health has started a 3-semester Medical Assistant Program. The program offers a certificate after three semesters but students may continue on and earn an AS degree. The first three courses were offered in fall curriculum, Faculty will emphasize ATI non-proctored tests as preparation for taking the proctored tests. Faculty will continue to review the curriculum to be sure that there is as smooth a transition as possible from one level to the next. Faculty will use simulation software and hardware to supplement student learning in the clinical area. Apprenticeship Department (91) Were are behind, but catching up and learning the process. Educating the faculty on the process has been very difficult and it shows why we need full time faculty because part time do not participate.

2 curriculum, More SLO training for faculty and more training for faculty on basic computer skills, WORD, Excel, etc. Athletics The current plan has assessment of 5 of the 7 athletic classes in Fall curriculum, Curriculum for these classes has been updated to include SLO's. Behavioral, Social Sciences And Child Development Department Need to adjust some of the rubrics used for assessment. Improved emphasis upon critical writing. Students should follow the advisories for the courses. Increased instruction on research and resource assessment. Increased utilization of Writing Center and Open Computer Lab. curriculum, Rubrics have been adjusted. Writing techniques and strategies need to be implemented in instruction. Increase collaborations with Library and Writing Center. Business/CAOT/CIS/Paralegal/Community Planning/Mortgage Fianance We must continue to enhance course objectives to meet the high standards that are being set. The department will emphasize the following: Ensure that all faculty keep office hours to meet the needs of students. Introduce projects where students can use innovative community based skills. Create an environment where students feel comfortable when receiving additional training and practice to ensure proficiency in all departments courses. Work with students to improve oral communication. Work with students who have poor written communication skills. Create an environment where student will improve technical skills that are required in most courses. Introduce assignments where students will improve their critical thinking skills. curriculum, The need to replace retired faculty with new faculty who possess innovative ideas and curriculum. Add additional tutorial assistance to strengthen practice of the computer applications. Continuous review and monitoring of all departments programs and disciplines. Update and change specialized curriculum. Update and change computer lab hours to accommodate student needs. Review publisher course management software. Attend conferences to keep up-to-date on changes and upgrades in all disciplines. Construction, Design & Manufacturing Department CDM Were are behind, but catching up and learning the process. Educating the faculty on the process has been very difficult and it shows why we need full time faculty because part time do not participate.

3 curriculum, More SLO training for faculty and more training for faculty on basic computer skills, WORD, Excel, etc. Cosmetology The assessment finding supported the need to have more practical demonstrations. Review program DVD's to re-enforce technical skills. Create a resource lab for students to review demonstrations and written examination materials. Produce DVD's that standardize all State Board procedures. Purchase online testing software to increase written pass rates. Create TBA classes for student practice. More "hands on" classes More guest speakers curriculum, Align curriculum with each course (morning, afternoon and evening classes) to DVDs, Textbooks and Student Study Guides. Create TBA classes for the resource media lab. Attend workshops offerings online testing software Culinary Arts SLO assessment showed that one of the key factors to student success is attendance. Student who regularly attended classes showed higher test scores specifically on the National Serve Safe exam./ curriculum, Curriculum: We are in the process of breaking the 6 unit CA 142 into 2 classes. CA 235 Supervision and Training and CA 240. Menu planning and purchasing. Doing so will better serve the student by allowing them to take classes a different time of the day both in the Baking Program and the Culinary Program. The changes also address ACFEF core competencies requirements for the culinary and professional baking programs. Facility: Additional equipment items are needed to enhance instruction. Electronics & Computer Technology The need for more equipment to better train the students curriculum, Procure specialized software for the classes. English We are in the first phase of our newly revised Department Exam for the writing series. For years we presented a department end-of-term exam. This year, we have moved to a mid-term diagnostic during semesters, and first-week diagnostic during winter and summer sessions. These findings will help us to assess our SLOs and PLOs. All are tested through a variety of mechanisms as ongoing instructional practices

4 curriculum, We have increased interaction with the Writing Center and Reading Center. It enhances our own relationships with our students through one-on-one conferences with students. With our new Department, we plan to formalize our faculty interaction and practices. Health and Physical Education Continued work must be done to link SLO's to Core Competencies. However, we do feel that the Core Competencies need to be re-examined to add the important components we address in our instruction. Lifelong wellness and fitness needs to become an important part of our students lives. One instructor reports that measuring a SINGLE assignment SLO is very limited. Therefore, doing multiple SLO assignment measurements which measure multiple phases of health behavior over the course of the semester would be better. Finding a way to measure regular health behavior and it's change as a result of the class would be the idea. This would require a length discussion by the faculty to achieve for all Health 11 classes but individual instructors can begin to experiment in their single classes and report back the results. curriculum, Work within SLO committee to add components to the colleges Core Competencies. Expand SLO's in courses as we become better versed at creating and assessing them. Increased dialogue between course instructors. Labor Studies For many students, in class, interactive activities enhance student learning. Rubrics should be more specifically focused on SLO's. SLO's need to be more specific and measurable. curriculum, Train faculty to use more interactive methods of teaching. Continue staff development of faculty on SLOs, assessments and rubrics. Continuous quality improvement on SLOs and assessment. Language Arts & Humanities SLOs, in connection with the course assessment criteria, can determine where students are having troubles within the course, then faculty can make the appropriate adjustments to remove those obstacles preventing student success. curriculum, Staff development training on continuous quality improvement measures (e.g., SLOs, course assessment, updating of course outlines). Science Students are doing well in almost all science courses. Faculty are able to adjust their teaching according to assessment data.

5 curriculum, We need to hire more full-time faculty who have the time and obligation to achieve more success for the dept. We will continue to look for better facilities to handle large lecture classes. We continue to struggle with the limited amount of lab space (ie. In some chemical technology classes, students need to move from one lab to another lab in order to allow another class to use the fume hoods). One possible solution is to find classrooms in the K-building's third or second floor to be remodeled as chemistry labs. Some instructors begin to develop new instructional methods (eg. Powerpoint, lecture syllabus, course website, Moodle) in order to meet the demands in student success. Transportation Technologies Department The SLOs have been assessed each time a final exam has been given. This has shown us where the strengths and weaknesses of a course have been and the necessary modifications to make each course successful. curriculum, One of the necessary changes is hiring a new faculty. This will allow us to change our curriculum and give more attention to the more challenging subjects for the students. Upgrades to our training facility will also allow us to use the latest emissions equipment. At the present time, both our engine and chassis dynamometer are inoperable and our students are unable to practice/demonstrate knowledge in the very important topic of emissions.

6 LATTC Program Review Discipline Level - SLO assessment findings & proposed changes Athletics The current plan has assessment of 5 of the 7 athletic classes in Fall Curriculum for these classes has been updated to include SLO's. Anthropology Students are often deficient in English composition, and sometimes have difficulty absorbing the material on the first attempt. More extensive review prior to the final examination and use of the LATTC's Writing Center and other facilities might be helpful. Child Development Students did well in the assessments. Instruction techniques seem to be working in the classroom. At this time we are unable to make any changes to our program due to budget constraints and lack of independence which is needed to run our program effectively. History History 42: Students need to improve in English, grammar, sentence, paragraph structure and read more literature. History 87: More discussion and critical analysis of SLO question. For History 42, Teacher and Counselor recommendations. For History 87, now that Smart Classrooms are available, instructors will be able to view and share interactive maps and make better use of "My History Lab," the textbook publisher's resource. Political Science Focus more on the evaluation of resources and their documentation.

7 Citations are required of all assignments. Sources of information are reviewed and critiqued on a routine basis. Psychology Overall, students are meeting the SLO's for the courses. No changes needed. Sociology SLOs/PLOs is a measurable indicator of success in attaining the stated learning outcome(s). It's significant to concede that the methodology should be both reliable and valid to be viable. Pre and post course assessments should also be considered. Students are now beginning to see that Learning Outcomes are actual Outcomes and not just as part of any given assignment. The Program/Discipline should be required to review course syllabus and Program Learning Outcomes on a regular basis, preferably every two years. Community Planning-Economic Development/Mortgage Finance Program Create recognizable office hours for students and the community advisors Create projects where students can use innovative community based skills Continuous review and monitoring of the CPED and Mortgage Finance Program Computer Application Office Technology To continue to enhance course objectives to meet the high standards that are being set. Continue to emphasize: 1) Review entire discipline 2) Basic computer skills 3) Good written and verbal communication skills 4) Technical skills required in the discipline 5) Critical thinking skills These five skills are the most important skills for success at colleges, universities and in the competitive workforce. Update and change some curriculum Update and change computer lab hours to accommodate student needs Review publisher course management software Attend conference to keep abreast of changes and upgrade in CAOT

8 Computer Information Systems Create alternative lab hours for students to utilize when they fall behind in their assignments Create practice certifications tests for students who want to be Microsoft Certified Create TBA courses for additional lab hours Create internship programs in CIS for advanced students Economics and Finance A ten question SLO quiz was given at the end of each semester. The student puts more effort if some bonus point is attached to this quiz. Curriculum is constantly being updated GENERAL BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING Students have a very basic understanding of the accounting principles and techniques assessed, but the need additional training and practice to ensure proficiency. Additional tutorial assistance to strengthen practice of the application of basic accounting principles and techniques. Office Machines Students are meeting the SLO's for the Office Machines discipline. Upgrade classroom to smart classroom and change chalkboard to whiteboard. Request to have student enroll in Business 38 and Office Machines concurrently. Paralegal Studies and LAW Our program is in its first semester. We will not be able to aptly assess until at least at the end of one year. However we do know that we will need to have access to certain legal data bases. Acquire the rights to access legal data bases. Real Estate Pre-test and Post-test are a need Purchase online testing software to increase written pass rates Purchase e-books, to improve the passing of state exams

9 Align curriculum with plo's and slo's (student success) Retail Merchandising Overall, the students are meeting the SLO's for the course. We must update some of the curriculum. Small Business Entrepreneurship Overall, the students are meeting the SLO's for the course. Updating curriculum Supervision / Public Relations / Marketing / Management To continue to enhance course objectives to meet the high standards that are being set. Continue to emphasize: 1) oral communication 2) written communication 3) technical skills required in the discipline 4) critical thinking skills These four skills are the most important skills for success at colleges, universities and in the competitive workforce environment. Continuous review of supervision, public relations, marketing and management course composition. Cosmetology The assessment finding supported the need to have more practical demonstrations. Review program DVD's to re-enforce technical skills. Create a resource lab for students to review demonstrations and written examination materials. Produce DVD's that standardize all State Board procedures. Purchase online testing software to increase written pass rates. Create TBA classes for student practice. More "hands on" classes More guest speakers Align curriculum with each course (morning, afternoon and evening classes) to DVDs, Textbooks and Student Study Guides. Create TBA classes for the resource media lab. Attend workshops offerings online testing software Culinary Arts

10 Attendance is a major issue to student success. Students who missed more that 15 % of the class exhibited low and or failing test scores. Received educational materials from NRA Need to update equipment, need repair equipment that is in broken or repair. Schools physical plant cannot keep up with the demand for cleanliness, Professional Baking Attendance is a major issue to student success. Students who missed more that 15 % of the class exhibited low and or failing test scores. Receive and implement educational materials from National Restaurant Association Need to update equipment, need repair equipment that is in broken or repair. Schools physical plant cannot keep up with the demand for cleanliness and preventative maintenance English We are in the first phase of our newly revised Department Exam for the writing series. For years we presented a department end-of-term exam. This year, we have moved to a mid-term diagnostic during semesters, and first-week diagnostic during winter and summer sessions. These findings will help us to assess our SLOs and PLOs. All are tested through a variety of mechanisms as ongoing instructional practices We have increased interaction with the Writing Center and Reading Center. It enhances our own relationships with our students through one-on-one conferences with students. With our new Department, we plan to formalize our faculty interaction and practices. Physical Education All Fall classes in Physical Education will be assessed this Fall Updating Phys Ed curriculum and then transferring it to Kinesiology. Developing Job Certificates and an AA Degree. Modifications of SLOs and possible instructional methods or techniques. Physical Education (non-activity) All Fall P.E. Offerings will be assessed in Fall Assessment Plans and eventually instructional methods to address skill sets. Labor Studies

11 For many students, in class, interactive activities enhance student learning. Rubrics should be more specifically focused on SLO's. SLO's need to be more specific and measurable. Art Train faculty to use more interactive methods of teaching. Continue staff development of faculty on SLOs, assessments and rubrics. Continuous quality improvement on SLOs and assessment. We have assessed most SLO's through rubrics but have not completed the cycle. Music The cycle will be completed soon and the findings will be gathered and analyzed. The instructors updated Assessment tools and had successful results. Instructors will implement new rubrics this term. Mathematics The assessment findings supported the need to have more tutoring for math classes. Students need more out of classroom practices such as homework and study groups. Faculty members need to enforce the course outlines in all math courses. The result of SLOs needs to be discussed in the department meetings in order to come up with ways to improve Student Learning Outcomes. We have learned that students study (cram) for a test but do not seem to study (learn) for the long haul. We can assess SLOs as part of a test and students may be reasonably successful but assessing the same SLOs as part of a final may not produce the same result. Our curriculum is aligned with SLO s and also with textbooks. Biology The department needs to staff the math lab and be utilized by the instructors. Students are meeting the expectations in the SLOs. Instructors need to be more aware of students' performance, progress, personal or family issues. Larger classrooms and labs are needed to accomodate a larger student population. More funding is needed to acquire enough supplies and equipment.

12 Chemical Technology Course SLO's have been assessed, results are pending and will be completed by the end of the fall, 2010 semester PLO assessment results demonstrate that the PLO's are in alignment with the SLO's and the LATTC Core Competencies. The PLO's have been successfully achieved according to our industry advisory and the nationwide Industry Skills Standards. SLO: changes are pending, waiting for SLO assessment results. PLO: findings demonstrate that the program should continue to maintain strong relations with the industry alliance, to be vigilant concerning new analytical and chemical industry regulations, techniques and methods. Implementation of industry advisory suggestions is critical to student and program success. Physics The need to continue emphasis on computations skills. The need to enforce pre-requisites and co-requisites. Course Outlines need to be transferred into the new ECD system and lecture challenge exams need to be submitted to Assessment and Orientation department. Discussion among faculty regarding appropriate laboratory challenge exams. Process Plant Technology Course SLO's have been assessed, all data results are pending and will be completed by the end of the fall, 2010 semester. PLO assessment results demonstrate that the PLO's are in alignment with the SLO's and the LATTC Core Competencies. The PLO's are aligned with our industry advisory recommendations, the nationwide Industry Skills Standards and the LATTC Core Competencies.

13 SLO: changes are pending, waiting for SLO assessment results. PLO: findings demonstrate that the program should continue to maintain strong relations with the industry alliance, to be vigilant concerning new processes and cgmp within the process industry, current regulations and policies. Implementation of industry advisory suggestions is critical to student and program success. Therefore, the appropriate instructional equipment and facilities need to be provided. Presently, the program instructors lack what is needed to deliver instructions proficiently and effectively. For example, the program projector was stolen and never replaced. This projector was used the deliver instruction to the students. Development and expansion are dependent upon having these needed fulfilled. One of the changes to the program will be to make the program known to the community we serve. This was a strong recommendation by both the industry advisors and was found to be lacking in last years program review. Curriculum development would be more progressive if the A.S. degree program hired two full time instructors. There are areas of the program that suffer because all of the instructors are part time. However, clearly according new teaching methodologies, etc. the program is in grave need of providing the instructors with the appropriate technology to effectively teach the students. Administration of Justice - (Correctional Science) SLO's - Difficulties with the online environment, Writing skills of the students sadly lacking at the beginning of the program and has a negative impact on the success rate for some of the programs. More training for students on the online course management system. Recommendations for students to avail themselves of writing laboratory services. Fashion Design As stated previously in this document, the faculty has been assessing their courses all along there has just not been formal documentation of the process. Faculty members, full-time and adjunct, have discussion about their courses and how to align with each other and advanced courses. Most faculty has a clear outline of projects and course grading policies outlined on their syllabi. After the assessment process began, ALL have these elements clearly outlined for their students. No major changes will be made to the program due to this process but there will be increased scrutiny of every faculty members syllabi to ensure students are fully informed on their grading policy and the course requirements. Fashion Merchandising

14 Hands-on classes have higher participation and interest from students than lecture courses. Students need better preparation in basic English and Math skills in order to become proficient in business communication and business math areas and to be successful in fashion merchandising courses. Students should take CAOT computer requirements, Photoshop class, and general education courses/requirements in preparation for homework assignments and projects in the fashion merchandising classes. Students need more access to computer labs to do their work. Students need to understand the protocol of the industry and the importance of regular attendance, and demonstrate motivation to succeed in their behaviors. Student-to-student and industry professional mentoring would be helpful for student success. Possibly revise retail merchandising to a lab class when fixtures and new classroom is set up. Seek grant money for computer lab staff. Work with counseling to advise students to take general education and CAOT classes prior to FM classes depending on student ability levels. Develop an introductory course to cover industry protocol, attendance, motivational tools, etc. to help with student success and retention. Sign Graphics The faculty has surmised that students perform in a more positive manner with clear, concise directions and defined grading procedures. Students understood the requirements of an employer and knew exactly what workplace skills necessary to be successful. In addition to the demands of the industry, students became aware of their need for English and math skills. To increase student success the faculty will encourage and seek opportunities for students to increase their academic skills. Use of the Learning Skills area will be pursued to assist in basic skills necessary for students success. From the program faculty there will be clear and concise requirements for all assignments including grading procedures. Tailoring The faculty does have a formal plan but it will take place between this semester and next. SLOs have been assessed informally resulting in curriculum changes currently. It was clear that the new curriculum was too demanding for the skill set of incoming students. The two lower level construction courses have been updated to reflect students preparation. Architecture, Drafting, Environmental, Architectural Interiors Strengthen all courses and align them with PLO There is an enormous time required among faculty to spend working with the curriculum locally and at the college. There is an great need to be more agile in our embedded assessment for all courses. SLO and deliverable of all projects need to be interconnected so they can be automated and self organized.

15 center of excellence more pin up area to display student work more large monitors to show drawings more examples from Green Buildings need resources to make assessment Digital standards books for design, architecture details, economic details, building information model for manufacturing Building Construction Techniques Students need basic math and English prior to attempting most of the programs. Basic use of tool and mechanical aptitudes are also a problem. Tutoring will be used more often. Some basic remedial classes will be offered in a short term format to proceed the offerings of these classes (when funding will allow). Cabinet Making And Mill work, Carpentry After course assessment of Carpentry 130 and Carpentry 129, the students were not prepared to be successful in estimation class Carpentry 129 because they were not prepared to do the math. It was suggested to change the curriculum order to have the math sequence completed before the students start estimation. The PLOs will assessed in the Fall semester of The plan is to use the 4th semester capstone course for assessment of the program. All carpentry curriculum must go through the update process. Electrical Construction and Maintenance All current courses are scheduled to be assessed by December Changes will come after the results of our assessments have been analyzed. Diesel And Related Technology The SLOs have been assessed each time a final exam has been given. This has shown us where the strengths and weaknesses of a course have been and the necessary modifications to make each course successful. One of the necessary changes is hiring a new faculty. This will allow us to change our curriculum and give more attention to the more challenging subjects for the students. Upgrades to our training facility will also allow us to use the latest emissions equipment. At the present time, both our engine and chassis dynamometer are inoperable and our students are unable to practice/demonstrate knowledge in the very important topic of emissions.