REPORT OUT Lansing Community College s Fire Science Programs of Study 2012

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1 1 Michigan s Postsecondary Programs of Study REPORT OUT 2013 INTRODUCTION Lansing Community College s Fire Science Programs of Study 2012 The purpose of this analysis is to develop an appropriate Program of Study that satisfies four requirements outlined in the Perkins Act of This study will investigate the potential alignment of Michigan s high school curriculum with Lansing Community College (LCC) Fire Science program s technical and academic competencies and assessments, which align with industry standards and expectations. By aligning these competencies and assessments, high school and adult students will be able to identify the prerequisite knowledge, skills, courses, and assessments required for successful completion of the program prior to entering college at LCC. The study examines current high school requirements and Fire Science programs, in place, at Lansing Community College. In order to review these programs appropriately, the study looks at LCC s Fire Science entry assessments, academic standards, gaps or duplication in course content, and occupational skill requirements. After examining these standards and assessments, a non-duplicative sequence of courses will provide a Plan of Study that aligns Michigan s Merit High School Curriculum with LCC Fire Science course work and industry standards. The Program of Study reviews Associate Degree to Bachelor Degree requirements, as well as numerous external certifications. Within the Program of Study, creation of a plan to devise ongoing work and enhance elements of the program over time results. Lansing Community College (LCC) Fire Science program provides a State of Michigan Regional Fire Academy that trains pre-service and current firefighters to the National Fire Protection Association s (NFPA) 1001 standards. These standards are the national training

2 2 requirements for the fire service. LCC issues a college Certificate of Completion after successfully completing the 19 credit hours contained in the program. LCC s Fire Science program also supports two internationally accredited Associate Degrees in Applied Science. Fire Science Technology and Fire Science/ Basic EMT both acquired accreditation through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). The Fire Science Degree curriculums use the Fire Academy as an integral part of the educational process. Along with the Fire Academy and two Associate Degrees, LCC offers eight credit hours of articulated credit for a FIRE 100 (Principles of Emergency Services) and Fire 285 (Fire Science Special Topics) to Eaton Intermediate School District (EISD), Clinton County Regional Educational Service Agency CCRESA), and Jackson County Career Center (JCCC). The fire academy obtains attendance from approximately 30% of these students. From these students, approximately 20% continue on to complete one or both of the Associate Degrees. However, less than 5% of the students continue onto to the 3+1 Bachelor Degree program through Lake Superior State University (LSSU). LCC developed a 3+1 articulation agreement with Lake Superior State University (LSSU) for a Bachelor Degree in Fire Science that can be completed at LCC. This program maintains enrollment of approximately 25 students each year. LSSU is only one of approximately 12 different Universities having articulation agreements with LCC s Fire Science program. LCC s Fire Science program has established an educational pathway for students to continue their education through Oklahoma State University (OSU) at the graduate level. Students may complete a Master s Degree in Fire and Emergency Management Administration, as well as a PhD in Fire and Emergency Services Management Administration. A former student of LCC is currently enrolled into the Master s Degree program level at OSU.

3 3 With these academic endeavors in place, LCC s Fire Science program wished to participate in the Program of Study to reevaluate course sequences and entrance requirements for adult and high school students. The intent of the study provides a pathway that leads smoothly to an Associate in Applied Science and Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Science. The group responsible for assembling this information consisted of Kathy Shell (Curriculum Specialist for LCC), Tim Baker (Interim Department Director of Public Service Careers), Rodney VandeCasteele (EISD Instructor), Jeff Huber (LCC Fire Science Program Lead Faculty), Jason Mayland (Institutional Research at LCC), and Jodi Ward (Student Assistant for Public Service Careers at LCC). Much of the work required for the study resulted from preparation and results of accreditation site team evaluation visits. However, numerous individuals and resources were consulted prior to the accreditation and Program of Study evaluation. Individuals consulted consisted of Augie Martinez (Testing and Assessment Center for LCC), Margo Hazelman (CCRESA Curriculum Specialist) Ralph Hansen (EISD Assistant Superintendent), Judy Stark (State of Michigan Program of Study Consultant), Dr. Jim Schafer (Chair of Fire Science at Lake Superior State University), and Toni Glascoe (K-12 Initiatives at LCC). Resources accessed include Michigan Merit Curriculum, National Fire Protection Association s 1001 Standard, National Career Cluster For Public Safety, International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire Officer I & II curriculums, Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) curriculum, LCC s ACT score requirements, NOCTI test, LCC s Accuplacer requirements, Argos Program software, LCC official website, LCC Policy and Procedures, and LCC MAHE Contract. No adult service agency representatives were consulted because gaining entry into LCC s Fire Science program is through normal college requirements for LCC. High school students or adult students must complete an application, orientation, and

4 4 ACT or Accuplacer exams with appropriate scores in Math, Reading, and Writing to gain entry into any of LCC s programs. STEP 1 and STEP 2 INSTITUTIONAL ASSESSMENT and ACADEMIC STANDARDS In order for an adult or high school student to enter the Fire Academy or Associate Degrees for Fire Science, the student must complete the Accuplacer test and a Physical examination performed by a Medical Doctor. After completing the Accuplacer, the student must achieve a five in reading and a four in writing to gain entry into the program. Lansing Community College requires the student to complete the Math assessment with a score of at least five. A high school student completing the ACT assessment needs to score 20 in reading, 20 in writing, and 22 in math. These ACT scores have been selected by the college as comparable scores of the Accuplacer assessment exam. Currently, the Fire Science high school programs are required to complete the NOCTI test for Criminal Justice exam. Time spent by the students in this area studying for this test reduces vital time required for pursuing the fire science curriculum at the high school level. This is a significant concern. High school students completing the current high school Michigan Merit Curriculum align well with the academic standards required for the Fire Science programs. The base academic knowledge received from the Michigan Merit curriculum also provides the student with the knowledge to pursue college courses recommended by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and Federal Emergency Management Association s (FEMA) Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) initiative for fire officers. Adult students wishing to enroll into the Fire Science programs need to complete the Accuplacer assessments and enhance any deficiencies in their reading, writing, and math skills

5 5 prior to enrolling into the programs. The adult student may also pursue the curriculum path recommended by the IAFC and FESHE. STEP 3 OCCUPATIONAL/TECHNICAL STANDARDS Academic skills related to the Fire Science program are contained in the National Fire Protection Association s (NFPA) 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, 2013 Edition, IA FC, FESHE initiative, and the National Registry for Basic Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic. High school students are restricted from participating in many of these skills due to the dangers involved and age requirements imposed by the certification bodies. These organizations set the standards for certifications in the State of Michigan, as well as national certifications and education curriculums. By using a two-year high school program to introduce some of the basic concepts and skills, students are prepared to encounter college level material at accelerated paces. If students can meet certification requirements in high school, they can complete several course requirements and reduce the length of time needed for obtaining required certifications, degrees, and employment. STEP 4 CURRICULUM CROSSWALK After performing the crosswalk of occupational knowledge and skills for the Fire Science programs, several significant areas seem to lack content. Personal physical fitness; mechanical aptitude; personal hygiene; respect for oneself and hierarchal structure; attention to detail; and CPR for the Professional Rescuer with Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) are missing from the curriculum standards established by Michigan Center for Career and Technical Education (MCCTE). The National Career Cluster was very irrelevant to the fire service because the fire service relies on the NFPA 1001 standard for fire service training. If the career cluster is to be

6 6 relevant, it must contain all of the NFPA 1001, NFPA 472, and NFPA These elements are required to successfully enter, remain, and complete Lansing Community College s Fire Science program and the fire service industry. Without these elements, high school and adult students will not acquire nor maintain employment in the fire service. Both the National Registry for EMS, NFPA, and Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council certification standards contain industry standards and legal requirements for entering and remaining in the programs. An example of one of these industry standards and legal requirements requires recruits to be cleanshaven daily. Additional crosswalks were conducted on the NFPA 1001 standard for Firefighter I, Firefighter II, IAFC Fire Officer I, and Fire Officer II curriculums. The High school curriculum does align with the IAFC curriculum for Fire Officer I & II, but the NFPA 1001 standard does not align with high school requirements because the NFPA 1001 establishes skill sets. Yet, adding a two-year high school Fire Science/EMS program could prepare students for accelerated coursework at the college level. This two-year program could introduce several NFPA 1001 standards and possibly Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification in order to expedite the training and educational process. STEP 5 ALIGN STANDARDS TO COLLEGE COURSEWORK. The crosswalk performed for high school to college courses align very well without duplication. However, the duplication exists at the Associate and Bachelor Degree levels. Several duplications exist between several Associate Degree classes at LCC and LSSU. The first year high school Fire Science course offered at LCC allows students to acquire eight credit hours of articulated credit for Fire 100 (Principles of Emergency Services) and Fire 285 (Fire Science Special Topics), which are useable in either Fires Science Associate Degrees.

7 7 A proposed second year course containing Fire 104 (Fire Behavior and Combustion) and Fire 110 (Fire Prevention would allow an additional six credit hours toward either Fire Science Associate Degrees. There is one high school fire science program that articulates four credits hours for Fire 100, and two high school fire science programs articulate eight credits for Fire 100 and Fire 285. A plan has been approved for a second year high school fire science program to offer Fire 104 and Fire 110. This second year program will begin in the fall of Plans are under way to offer an EMT certification as a second year program, as well. This would allow students to acquire 14 credit hours of college work towards both the Fire Science/Basic EMT Degree and Fire Science Technology Degree. STEP 6 PROGRAM OF STUDY The Program of Study begins with students meeting requirements for LCC and the Fire Science program. Students wishing to gain entry into the programs need to schedule an appointment with the Fire Science Program Advisor. The meeting will include information about completing college placement assessments (Accuplacer), scores the students must achieve, (Math = 6, Reading = 5, and Writing = 4), and completion of an Educational Development Plan. Students will be directed to submit their application for the Fire Academy, which is the first in a series of classes required for either Fire Science Degrees. An application includes a physical exam form and several waivers that must be completed and submitted to the Fire Science Office. The student will need to purchase uniforms; lease bunker gear and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus; and purchase books and miscellaneous equipment. After successfully completing the academy, students pursuing the Fire Science/Basic EMT program will enroll into the EMT program, but they will need to retest for a writing level six if they have not obtained that level or complete Writing 117. Post EMT students need to

8 8 complete the general educational core requirements of math, writing, communications, global perspectives, and science, along with, the final fire science requirements for the degree. Students pursuing the Fire Science Technology Degree must complete the general education requirements with any remaining fire science course requirements. Students completing the Associate in Fire Science/Basic EMT or Fire Science Technology Degree requirements may pursue the Bachelor at LSSU. The students must complete the Macro agreement, which consists of six credit hours of writing, eight credit hours of math and science, eight credit hours of social sciences, and eight credit hours of humanities. Approximately six additional Fire Science courses complete the third year at LCC. Through LSSU, students complete 30 credit hours of study for the BS in Fire Science. Students complete this coursework at home or LCC. STEP 7- EXTERNAL CERTIFICATIONS EARNED. The Fire Academy at LCC provides students with two state certifications, certificate of completions, and one national certification. Upon successful completion of the fire academy and certification exams, students receive certification as Fire Fighter I & II and Operations level for Hazardous Materials through Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council. These two certifications require a written and practical test. Fire Fighter I & II certifications require passing a written test of 200 questions with a minimum of 70%. The practical for these certifications entail successfully completing 12 stations with four stations requiring 100% accuracy. The Hazardous Materials Operations certification requires successful completion of a test of 50 questions, and students must pass with a score of 70% or higher. This practical exam requires students to participate in a live drill involving all phases of hazardous materials spill response. The fire academy also provides Certificate of Completions for the National Incident Management System

9 9 (NIMS). This training provides 100 and 200 levels of incident management. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers the training in an online training format with tests after each chapter. Auto Extrication and Advanced Vehicle Stabilization certificates require students to obtain classroom and practical experiences, and successfully complete a written test containing 20 questions and practical exam. The final certification derives from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. This agency certifies all Wildland Firefighters in the United States. The students complete a two CD series containing two courses with tests at the end of each chapter. A practical test covers fire shelter deployment, drip torches, weather, construction of fire line, and water supply competencies. In addition, the students must successfully complete the pack test, which consists of a 3-mile walk while wearing a 45-pound weight vest. The student must complete the test in less than 45 minutes. On the academic side of the Fire Science program, both Associate Degrees articulate into LSSU s 3+1 Bachelor Degree program. The Fire Academy appears in both Associate Degree programs, and a Certificate of Completion offered through LCC. LCC s Fire Academy contains three courses equaling 19 credit hours. From the Fire Science Technology Associate Degree curriculum, students can sit for the Fire Inspector I & II exam, Hazardous Materials Technician, Incident Safety Officer, and Fire Officer I & II certifications for both state and national certifications. In the Fire Science/Basic EMT Associate Degree, students earn an EMT certification through the State of Michigan and National Registry. After graduating from one or both of the Fire Science Associate Degrees, students may apply for a certificate issued through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). The student receives a certificate with a gold seal embossed on it that exhibits that they graduated from an internationally accredited institution.

10 10 CONCLUSION Results from the Program of Study produce a plan of study, gap analysis, final report, and executive summary. LCC s Leadership and Trends Conference will be presented this information through an executive summary or presentation developed from the final report. The next steps include working with the high school programs to implement a second year for the Fire Science program, work with LSSU to reduce the duplication of classes between the two institutions, and work towards eliminating the irrelevant testing requirements for high school students in the Fire Science programs. Realignment of the national career clusters with current industry standards and college programs to establish a more realistic test for high school completion requirements and preparation for career and educational goals. LCC s Fire Science Advisory Board provides significant input into the program, and the board s suggestions contribute crucial input into the programs. The board s functions involve reviewing the Fire Science program, which the accrediting agency requires. Maintaining the accreditation provides the Fire Science program at LCC with a review of all components of the program, which includes articulated high school programs.