DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW FORM 2012-2013

DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW FORM 2012-2013 Department: Education Department Head: Kerri Mahlum Fundamentals: Department Mission Statement: The mission of the Casper College Education program is to provide high quality teaching/learning experiences to develop knowledge, skills, attitudes and abilities in the prospective teacher so that students can readily matriculate to transfer institutions and as graduates serve as educators who value diversity and excellence in education.. Departmental Goals: The Casper College education department will maintain a pre-service education program reflecting the competencies of teaching/learning excellence and developmentally appropriate practices. The Casper College education department will maintain a pre-service education program at CC that provides students with a seamless transfer to the four year colleges and universities. The Casper College education department will adapt/expand the existing CC pre-service education program in order to meet the changing, diverse needs of the student population. The Casper College education department will support professional development opportunities for the full time CC education faculty as well as enhance the development of innovative projects created by the CC education faculty. The Casper College education department will support the development of the elementary education Associate of Science degree in a distance education format. The Casper College education department will support the development and maintenance of secondary education programs. The Casper College Early Childhood Education department will seek national accreditation through NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Departmental Strengths: The Education department is fortunate to be composed of four extremely qualified faculty members. Each brings and individual set of strengths that transfer best practices to education students. In addition, the Education department is a leader in Casper College in providing distance education courses. This allows for focus upon increasing diversity in students as well as increasing enrollments. The Education department has become a campus leader in the use of e-folio assessment. This methods of outcomes evaluation allows authentic evaluation of student achievement as they relate to national standards. The department is strong in its overall enrollment. Initial enrollments are strong, but perhaps even more importantly; this department retains its students and has a very large number of graduates. This speaks highly of the quality of instruction, overall programmatic presentation, and strong faculty advising. Additional evidence of strengths is demonstrated throughout this review. Department Challenges: High Enrollment-Additional Faculty needed: Our department is challenged by the fortune of a strong enrollment trend. However, the education program at Casper College cannot maintain its standard of excellence across time, without additional educational faculty. With high numbers of students, the advisement load is large. More time is needed for necessitated articulations, grant writing, curriculum development, mentoring programs and upgrading of technological

skills. Current loads for faculty, restrict them in their ability to grow in the areas of student mentoring, time in community relations, development of new programs/technologies, and commitment to professional organizations. The increasing enrollment in the department's distance education courses has resulted in the need for many courses to be taught by adjunct instructors. Additionally, in the 2012 school year, the department will be taking on the administration of the Help Yourself Academy. This will require the hiring of additional adjunct faculty. While the department is pleased with the majority of these instructors, it is still a challenge to ensure quality and consistency in instruction when courses are taught by part time employees. It is anticipated that student numbers will continue to grow for this department and therefore the need for additional faculty is a challenge we currently face and anticipate continuing to address in future academic years. Articulation agreements with Mayville State and Valley City bring opportunities and challenges. The Casper College Education faculty will be working to develop advising patterns that will clearly communicate the opportunities available at these instructions as well as ease the transfer of interested students. These welcomed partnerships add an additional layer of planning and communication. Future Growth-Instructional Space. As the Casper College campus embarks on an examination of re-use and re-modeling of space, the Education Department is planning for upcoming growth through the future move to Leisinger Hall. The department anticipates continuing need for two classrooms and a dedicated computer lab as well as additional office space for additional faculty. Additionally, it is critical that the faculty of the education department continue to work in close physical proximity to allow for collegial collaboration and ease of student advising. Future challenges and opportunities exist the need for collaboration and consultation on remodeling process of theses spaces in Leisinger Hall. Technology: We continue to see the challenge of maintaining up-to-date technology; specifically for updating faculty computers. The necessity of using departmental budgets/individual allotments to buy new computers severely impacts funding options for professional development.. Teaching Philosophy and Pedagogy: The Casper College Education department seeks to not only instruct but to model best practices in teaching. Instructors provide core theoretical knowledge to students. This core knowledge is then expanded into practical application. In respect of the diversity of learning styles, instruction is provided through a variety of methodologies. Students are taught via lecture, research, collaborative assignments, discussions, and hands on practicum experiences. It is critical that teachers not only learn the why of teaching but also the how. With this focus, students are placed in real classroom settings in order to apply the knowledge they have gained through classroom learning. In course content, standards and outcomes, the Early Childhood Education program aligns to the standards put forth by The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The Elementary Education program is aligned to the standards of The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The Education department also seeks to model best practices in assessment. Students are assessed in authentic methods including; projects collaborative team work exams discussions teaching demonstrations mentor evaluations

portfolio documentation Moodle on line resource and assignment submission for enhanced campus courses oral presentations internet and library research scholarly research papers case studies reflecting diversity development of teaching and portfolio materials cohort group work Distance Education Philosophy: The Early Childhood Education program has been a leader at Casper College in the development and instruction of online coursework. This has allowed for flexibility in advising options as well as recruitment of students locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally. Additionally, the development of this degree via distance format meets the needs of students who are already employed in child care or early education settings. These students are able to pursue higher education opportunities while maintaining their employment status. As coursework is developed and taught in this department, emphasis is placed on maintaining the high level of rigor, interactive learning, and assessment found in the campus based equivalent courses. The department values diversity in students, and through distance education, the ability to reach a wider range of students is achieved. It is of prime importance that students taking part in distance education courses from the Education Department at Casper College receive course content and assessment of equal quality and rigor as their on campus counterparts. Students are assessed in their Distance Education courses using the same methods as face-to-face students via a number of measures including: projects collaborative team work exams discussion forums teaching demonstrations mentor evaluations portfolio documentation scholarly research papers case studies reflecting diversity development of teaching and portfolio materials online teacher collaboration cohort group work Assessment is also completed by distance education students via a distance education questionnaire used to determine their satisfaction with the course and to give the faculty feedback for improving the course. Dual Enrollment Philosophy: The department welcomes high-school students to enroll in classes on the Casper College campus and treats them exactly like any other Casper College student. The department has not been approached by the Natrona County School district to offer department courses at the high-schools taught by high-school faculty. If approached we would entertain the idea. We would expect that any instructor would have a master s degree in the discipline or in a closely related area.

Distinction: Articulation agreements (if any): The Education Department at Casper College has been fortunate in its ability to recruit students. The Early Childhood program has a strong and positive relationship with the University of Wyoming Family and Consumer Science Department. This relationship has allowed the seamless transfer of students completing their AA/AS in Early Childhood Education into the Family and Consumer Science B.A. from the University of Wyoming. As a result, Casper College s Early Childhood Education department has benefited in recruiting students interested in this distance education B.A. option. An additional partnership with the University of Wyoming/Casper College has resulted in a high recruitment of Elementary and Secondary Education majors. Students wishing to complete their four year education degree at the Casper site of UW first begin their education at Casper College. This student group has allowed the Casper College Education department to recruit and retain high numbers of education majors. With the articulation agreement in Early Childhood Education with Mayville State in North Dakota, our advising of Early Childhood majors has taken on the focus of additional transfer options. Until recently, most Early Childhood majors were advised to either pursue the bachelor s in Elementary Education or a bachelor s in Family and Consumer Science from the University of Wyoming. These students now have the option of earning their bachelors in Early Childhood Education via distance education format from Mayville State. Coordination of advising is beginning between Casper College and Mayville State to ease the transfer of all interested students. The Casper College education department is pleased to continue with our relationship with Valley City State University. This program has been most appropriate for students who are limited by family or employment conditions from succeeding in the UW/CC course formats. Additionally, this articulated agreement provides an additional option for transfer students as the UW/CC program works through the challenges of meeting the needs of the high enrollments coming to their program from Casper College. Special events or activities: As a celebration of the accomplishments of our students, The Casper College Education Department holds an annual Graduation Reception in the spring. This reception allows faculty to recognize each graduation student. Additionally, this reception is the venue for scholarship awards, mentor teacher recognition, and reconnecting with retired education faculty. Finally, this reception is a more intimate, less formal means of allowing family members to celebrate with students. Casper College education students via letter invitation partake in an all day campus preregistration with the presence of all education faculty in order to facilitate comprehensive advisement. Third party comments, including specialized accreditation: N/A Personnel: Departmental faculty members, full-time: Thom DeVoogd 6 years at Casper College A.A. Muskegon Community College, Muskegon, MI B.A. Education, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI B.A. History and Political Science (cum laude), Hope College, Holland MI Bilingual Certificate, Metropolitan State University, Denver, CO M.A. Educational Leadership (summa cum laude), Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI

CERTIFICATION Michigan Principal Qualified Michigan Teacher Certified (Elementary Education & Bilingual) Colorado Teacher Certified (Elementary Education & Bilingual) HONORS AND AWARDS 2007 Phi Theta Kappa Teaching/Learning Coach 1992 Awarded Most Successful Peace Corps Volunteer in Belize Board of Trustees Scholarship (Full Tuition-2 years) Brown Foundation Scholarship American Karate System- Black Belt Eagle Scout PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Member National Council of the Teachers of English Michigan Association of Bilingual Educators International Reading Association Michigan Reading Association Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development(ASCD) Western Dunes Reading Council Treasurer/member Professional Educator s Coalition (Writing) Denver, Member CLAS- Colorado Language Arts Society PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES/EXPERIENCE Dual Language Curriculum Specialist, GRPS, 2003-2007 National Educational Consultant, HOSTS Learning, 2000-03 Literacy Specialist, Muskegon Public Schools, 1999 State of Michigan English Language Learner Advisory Council School Improvement Team Leader (4 years) Michigan Association of Bilingual Educators Conference Committee Member Math Curriculum Outcome Assessment Development Team Grand Rapids English as a Second Language (ESL) Curriculum Development Committee Literacy Learning- Presenter Michigan Literacy Progress Profile Trainer Michigan Reading Association- Presenter Michigan Association of Bilingual Educators- Presenter Dual Language- Presenter Renee S. Griffith SIX years at Casper College B.A. Business Education- University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY M.A. Adult and Post Secondary Education- University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY CERTIFICATION: Wyoming Professional Standards Teaching Board Certification- Secondary Education through 2015 HONORS/RECOGNITION: Outstanding Adult Educator 2003 Wyoming Lifelong Learning Association Granted Teaching Abroad Award University of Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany Summer 2011

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Financial Aid, Counseling, and Student Services Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) International Society of Technology Education (ISTE) Wyoming LifeLong Learning Association Member of P.E.O. Sisterhood Scholarship Chair CURRENT PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Parent/CC Faculty Representative ELATE Kelly Walsh H.S./Casper Eastside Schools Parent/ Advisor for Natrona County School District Parent/Community Advisory Committee (past six years) Serve as Community College Faculty Representative Council for Teacher Education - UW Serve as faculty member for Outcomes Assessment Team-CC PREVIOUS ACTIVITIES: Established Viking Council Parent/Teacher Advisory Council at Verda James Elementary, 2004 Career Cluster National Training, June 2006 Learning Community Training, June 2006 Casper College 23 years in secondary & adult education Kerri Mahlum 12 years at Casper College A.A. Elementary Education- Casper College, Casper, WY B.A. Elementary Education-Union College, Lincoln, NE M.A. Early Childhood Education-University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE Doctoral Studies- Instructional Technology- University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY HONORS AND AWARDS 2005 Rosenthal Outstanding Educator Award- Casper College 2005 Recipient of the Barbara Scifers Educational Scholarship, Casper College 2006 Recipient of the Barbara Scifers Educational Scholarship, Casper College 2006 NISOD Excellence Award- University of Texas 2009 Recipient of the Barbara Scifers Educational Scholarship, Casper College 2013 Recipient of the Barbara Scifers Educational Scholarship, Casper College PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Wyoming Early Childhood Education Association (past Secretary) National Association for the Education of Young Children Colorado Chapter of the International Reading Association American Education Research Association ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES Facilitator for Bi-Annual Early Childhood Conference, University of Wyoming-June 2006 Inga Thorsen Early Childhood Learning Center- Board Member Wyoming Early Childhood Learning Readiness Standards- Collaborative Authorship Wyoming 0-5 Certification Endorsement- Advisory Committee/Authorship Wyoming Early Childhood Apprenticeship Steering Committee 10 years experience, Elementary Education STARS- Wyoming Children s Action Alliance- Board Member PRESENTATIONS Children and Nutrition Services- Professional Development Conference Spring 2010

Cammy Rowley 9 years at Casper College (Adjunct faculty 5 years) B.A. Elementary Education Area of concentration: Early Childhood, University of Wyoming M.A. Education Area of concentration: Curriculum and Instruction emphasis in Early Childhood, University of Wyoming Ph. D. Education Curriculum and Instruction, University of Wyoming Dissertation: Constructing Understandings: An Ethnographic Study of Young Children s Social Emotional Learnings in a Multiage Group. CERTIFICATION Wyoming Professional Standards Teaching Board Certification- Elementary Education, Early Childhood Endorsement HONORS AND AWARDS 2008 & 2010 PhiTheta Kappa Terrific Learning Coach 2008 Recipient of the Barbara Scifers Educational Scholarship, Casper College 2007 Recipient of the Barbara Scifers Educational Scholarship, Casper College PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Phi Delta Kappa Professional Education Fraternity, Fall 1995-Present National Association for the Education of Young Children Wyoming Association for the Education of Young Children National Education Association Wyoming Education Association Casper College Education Association ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES Faculty Senate: Casper College- President 2010-present Child Development Center Board Member 2005- present Inga Thorson Early Childhood Learning Center Advisory Board Member, 2006- present Little Hands Advisory Board Member, 2009- present Facilitator for Bi-Annual Early Childhood Conference University of Wyoming June 1997, 1999, 2004, 2006, 2008 Publication: Rowley, Cammy and Willems, Arnold, (1995). Curriculum Changes for Real Learning. Education 116, (2), pp. 185-188. PRESENTATIONS National Network for Educational Renewal, 2008-2009 In Praise of Education Conference, January 2010 and November 2010 Children and Nutrition Services- Professional Development Conference Spring 2010 Departmental faculty members, adjunct: Due to the high number of education students, the Education department has found it necessary to have many courses taught via adjunct instructors. It is the department s policy to hire adjunct instructors who hold a minimum of a Masters degree and have classroom experience with early childhood, elementary or secondary aged students.

We have been fortunate to have access to several high quality adjunct instructors, many of whom are also full time teachers in the Natrona County Public Schools. Although the department is highly satisfied with this group of part time faculty, there is concern regarding the quality and consistency of course content as a result of the varied instructors needed to cover these class loads. Additionally, as online course demands in Early Childhood, ParaEducation, and Elementary education grow, it is anticipated that more instructional assistance via adjunct or preferably full time faculty will be required. Adjunct Faculty- 2011-2012 Sheri Cochenour- ITEC 2360-N1 Deyonne Jackson- EDEC 1020-N1 Amy Daley- EDEC 1200-01, EDEC 1200-N1 Donna Sonesen- EDEC 1030-N1, EDEC 1035-N1, EDEC 1100-N1, EDEC 1105-N1 Departmental advisory committee members (if applicable):. Operations: Program assessment plan(s) on file? Yes No Enrollment trends: The Education department at Casper College has maintained high enrollments of between 230 and 280 students for the past five years. These enrollment numbers include Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Para- Education programs. It is anticipated that these trends will continue. With the recent salary increase for teachers in Wyoming public schools, teaching as a career option has gained a new appeal for undergraduate students. Additionally, the growing need and desire for distance education program, will continue to make the Early Childhood degree an appealing option for students. With continuing articulation agreements with Mayville State and Valley City, the Casper College education department is optimistic that enrollment numbers will be maintained and may experience an increase. These partnerships are in addition to our longstanding partnership with UW/CC. These transfer options serve to maintain a growing and thriving Casper College education program.. Departmental equipment and facilities: The education department has been fortunate to receive classroom projectors, computers, and SmartBoards in the most frequently used classrooms of the Strausner Student Center. Due to the fact that all Early Childhood and many Elementary Education courses are taught online, updated computers are a necessity. Lack of institutional funding to maintain this very necessary equipment has a negative impact on use of funds for other purposes; most predominantly professional development opportunities. Through equipment requests, the College Center lab was approved for upgrade and replacement. However, the lack of systematic procedures for equipment upkeep and renewal is an ongoing concern. The Education department has been fortunate to have collaborative relationships with the Natrona County Public Schools and the Inga Thorsen Early Childhood Learning Center. These relationships have allowed education students to engage in practicum courses where they can apply knowledge of best educational practices in an active and authentic classroom setting.

Classroom space is becoming an issue for the Education department. The majority of the Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education courses are taught in the Strausner Student Center. Rooms 115 and 116 are under heavy use from education classes and it is anticipated these rooms will continue to be used in frequent rotation. As the program continues to flourish, the department looks forward to the collaborative process necessary to ensure appropriate remodeling of designated spaces in Leisinger Hall.. Budgetary Considerations: Resources needed: A significant budgetary resource needed by the Education department has been addressed in overall departmental challenges. The program would benefit greatly from an additional Faculty member to address high enrollments and promote development of Elementary Education as online program. Each faculty has $2400 allocated for their needs and has additional support from the division budget. This amount allows for some staff development opportunities and purchase of supplementary instructional materials and technology. This issues has been addressed above in the concerns regarding updating office computers and laptops. The ability to purchase and maintain current technology is necessary as a means of sustaining best educational practices.