Comprehensive Standard
3.3.1.1
The institution identifies expected outcomes, assesses the
extent to which it achieves these outcomes, and provides evidence of
improvement based on analysis of the results in each of the following areas: (Institutional Effectiveness)
aCompliance ___Partial Compliance ___Non-Compliance
Narrative:
The
responsibility for educational programs at Lawson State Community College is
the primary responsibility of the Instructional Services Division which is composed
of the academic and career technical programs departments, developmental
education, and library/learning resources centers. All support units are committed to student
success, quality assurance, efficiency, and continuous improvement as evidenced
by their in ongoing assessment activities.
Lawson
State Community College identifies expected outcomes, assesses the extent to
which it achieves these outcomes, and provides evidence of improvement based on
analysis of the results in educational programs, to include student learning
outcomes, administrative support services, educational support services, and
community/public service within its educational mission, if appropriate. The College has a well-established institutional effectiveness process that consists of the development and assessment of
outcomes, including student learning outcomes for all educational programs. Lawson
State Community College’s institutional effectiveness process is on-going,
cyclical, and College-wide process. The
process includes planning, outcomes assessment and documentation of
achievements as they relate to the institutional mission and goals.
The
Institutional Planning Cycle at the College involves:
·
The
establishment of a unit level mission statement;
·
The
establishment of goals consistent with the mission and strategic plan;
·
Development
and implementation of processes and procedures to determine the extent to which
goals were achieved; and
·
Use
of the results of evaluation to improve academic programs and administrative
and educational services.
The educational programs establish goals annually. These units are responsible for determining the assessment methodologies for their goals and providing written information and relevant documentation as to the level of attainment of those goals. A detailed narrative is requested from each unit regarding the status of each goal and how the information obtained was used to strengthen the unit; thereby, addressing institutional effectiveness. All goals statements, narratives and documentation must be presented in the Planning Hearing Notebooks and when approved loaded into the online planning software – Weaveonline
The
process of establishing learning outcomes within the educational programs units
is integrated, data driven and occurs annually.
The process complements the college wide planning model
because it occurs as a part of the College’s overall institutional
effectiveness assessment plan and serves to strengthen student learning and
educational outcomes. All educational
programs, administrative units and educational support services units must
participate in this process. The process is
integrated across the educational, administrative and educational support
units. (Institutional Effectiveness Plans 06-07), (Institutional Effectiveness Plans 07-08) Also, the planning and evaluation process
involves personnel representing curriculum and instructional programs, student
services, administrative and support services, public relations, economic
development activities, community service activities, physical plant, and
financial administration.
Annually,
assessment data are obtained from surveys, the evaluation of student outcomes,
the evaluation of educational outcomes that are consistent with the
institution’s mission, faculty and staff evaluations, course completion data
and other institutional statistics, as well as analysis of the attainment of
institutional as well as operational/divisional goals and objectives. The Institutional Research Office compiles
data from and for academic, administrative and educational support units. This information is shared with appropriate
units and is available on the College’s intranet (known as the “L” Drive) for
all faculty and staff to use.
End-of-the-year
reports are developed annually by each unit.
Indeed, as part of Lawson State Community College’s Planning and
Evaluation process, each department within the Administrative Services and
Instructional Services division complete an annual Unit Plan, which outlines
specific Unit Outcomes, Outcomes Link to Institutional Goals and Strategic
Indicators, Methods of Assessing the Outcome and Budget Implications, Actual
Results Obtained, and Use of Results (Unit Plan Template)
as well as a Unit Narrative (Unit Narrative Sample).
In
addition, the tracking of Student Learning Outcomes is infused in the annual
evaluation process in an effort to improve and strengthen student learning
under specific and identified outcomes (where applicable).
Each
educational program at the college delineates student learning outcomes. These outcomes are reviewed by faculty
throughout the year to determine and document student achievement. Each educational unit is responsible for
determining goals for the year and associated methods of assessment and
documentation of the attainment of those goals.
Additionally, faculty within those educational programs are required to
establish, develop and assess student learning outcomes in their respective
disciplines on an annual basis. Results
of student learning outcomes and supporting documentation are presented during
the annual Planning Hearings.
Below are samples of Unit Plans and
Student Learning Outcomes submitted and approved via the Planning Hearing
Process. Examples will highlight
findings and use of results from the 2006-2007 school year and the 2007-2008
school year. Unit Plans and Student
Learning Outcomes for each educational program are delineated in the chart at
the end of the samples. This is a sample
of the type of documentation that is contained in the Planning Hearing
Notebooks.
2007-2008
The Academic Affairs
Unit
Goals:
- Applicants for the new RN program
on the Bessemer campus will reach at least 100. The new program should accept at least
25 new students into the program for 2007-2008. (RN Criteria)
- Develop
the Center for Teaching and Excellence. (CTEL Online)
- 70%
of students need to preregister each spring and fall term prior to late
registration.
Accomplishments:
- The
evening RN program grew with 167 applicants of whom 87 were qualified and
35 enrolled.
- Center
developed and website developed via Blackboard. Physical location is D117 on the
Birmingham campus.
- For
Fall 2007, the rate was 60% with 2,014 students reaching the goal.
- Enrollment
data indicated that over 250 new students enrolled in College Transfer
courses on the Bessemer campus.
- The
elimination of RDG084 (reading) in the Developmental course
offerings. All developmental
courses went to 4 credits and RDG 114 was restructured to include a
3-credit and 2- credit option.
- A
new developmental math curriculum was implemented based upon internal
research. The previous curriculum focused greatly on MTH 100; however, the
research revealed that an adjustment to the curriculum was needed in order
to impact the pass rates in MTH 098.
- The
College had a 99.8% viability classification in its transfer programs.
Area
of Concern: Classrooms
equipped with technology
- The
Academic Affairs Division and Library Services wrote a grant and were able
to get funding to open a new computer laboratory on campus one year ahead
of schedule. The Ebony Room
Computer Lab is equipped with 18 computers. (Ebony Room Flyer)
Health Professions
(including Associate Degree in Nursing, LPN and Dental Assisting)
Goals
(Nursing):
- Student retention will increase by
5% in the ADN program annually. (Nursing Graduation Rates)
- 80% of graduates will be successful
on first writing of licensure/certification exam. (Nursing Exam Results)
- 100%
of ADN faculty will incorporate Blackboard and Tegrity into instruction.
Accomplishments:
- Data
indicated a 165% increase in retention and graduation. This greatly exceeded the projected 5%
increase.
- Data
indicated that the unit had a 93% passing rate on the licensure exam.
- 100%
of ADN graduates were employed as RNs.
- 100%
of faculty embraced the use of Tegrity.
Area
of Concern: Outdated
computer equipment and laboratory equipment
- The unit was able to secure funds
to upgrade computer equipment and laboratory equipment by writing external
grants. The unit plans to purchase
human simulations for the Birmingham and Bessemer campuses
- Retention Rates
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate proficiency in
performing advanced nursing skills for individuals with health alterations
in a variety of settings. (Nursing Assessment)
- 100% passed by the 3rd
testing.
- 100% of students completed the IPR
and clinical evaluations satisfactorily.
- Apply therapeutic communication
techniques in providing advanced nursing care of clients through the
lifespan.
- 93% of the 43 total had satisfactory
preceptorship experiences for fall 2007.
- Utilize critical thinking skills
in providing collaborative care for clients with selected health
alterations n a variety of settings.
- NUR 102 Critical Thinking Pre-test
averaged was 43. National average
was 56.
Health, Physical Education, Recreation
and Dance
Goals:
- 100% of HPER instructors in specialized areas will
maintain certifications in the areas of swimming, CPR, aerobic and weight
training.
- HPERD will provide wellness and fitness classes. (Volleyball Rubric)
Accomplishments:
- The
unit has a certified Red Cross CPR instructor, a certified personal
trainer; a water safety instructor and certified dance/aerobics
instructor.
- The
unit had 100% participation by faculty in training workshops such as BlackBoard,
TEGRITY.
- Weight
room participation continued to increase.
Highest daily attendance recorded in October (60) and November
(64).
Area
of Concern: Weight Room accommodations and safety
- Internal
and external funds were identified to renovate the gymnasium during the
2008-2009 year.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will
understand a variety of developmental practices through increased
participation in physical activities. (Personal Fitness Log)
- The most populated courses for
2007 were PED 103, PED 107 and PED 109 the fundamental physical education
courses such as slimnastics, aerobics, and jogging.
- Students will demonstrate an
ability to explain safety/emergency procedures for home and LSCC.
- Twenty-two of twenty-six (85%)
of HED 231 passed with an average score of 80 or higher; 78 out of 87 or
90% passed PED 103 with an average score of 80 or better and 27 out of 28
or 96% of PED 140 students passed with an 80 or better.
Library
and Learning Resources Center
Goals:
- Convert
the Ebony Room (Ebony Room Flyer)
of African American Literature to an open computer lab for students
providing 18 computers and a technology enhanced instructor’s computer
desk.
- Increase
print and electronic resources by 20% on the Birmingham and Bessemer
campuses with special emphasis on nursing resources.
- Weed
10% of library’s existing collection.
Accomplishments:
- Ebony
Room was converted to an open computer lab for students.
- As of June 2008, the Bessemer
campus added a total of 451 print resources to the collection; the Birmingham
campus added a total of 735 resources; electronic resources totaled more
than 20,000 e-books. (Library Acquisitions)
- 25%
of the baseline of 23,091 holdings in the collection would be 5,773
resources that must be weeded to meet the goal. This goal wasn’t achieved. Records in the Athena library software
management system, indicated t hat only 571 resources were weeded from the
collection.
Areas
of Concern: More
study space and open areas in the library are needed for full implementation of
services. The current software
management system doesn’t meet the library’s needs.
·
To
counter this, the Ebony Room was created and staff began the process of
modifying service delivery to encompass more technology. Additionally, new furnishing, shelving and
carpeting were purchased for both libraries.
·
Funds
were identified for the 2009-2010 year to purchase another Library software
management software.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Familiarize themselves with
library resources and services.
- 215 students made 80% on library quiz
indicating knowledge of library services and resources.
- Conduct basic
searches using the library online catalog and the Alabama Virtual Library
databases. (Athena Library Survey)
- 50% of students were able to
correctly demonstrate online catalog ability.
- Demonstrate ability to site
sources appropriately for bibliographies.
- 40% of students in Micro-Biology
were able to correctly identify the parts of a bibliographic citation
taken from a journal article.
- Locate library research materials
from print collections of books and periodicals.
- 53.7% of students agreed that
they were able to find useful library materials from the collection.
Natural
Science and Mathematics
Goals:
·
Maintain
and increase partnerships with four year institutions.
·
Provide
professional development in-service material for science and mathematics
teachers with current advancement in technology.
·
100%
of faculty will incorporate syllabi, assignments, and grades on Blackboard.
·
Increase
the number of courses offered on the Bessemer campus.
Accomplishments:
- 100% of science and math faculty
interacted with other science and math teachers at other 4 year colleges
including Miles and Talladega Colleges. (Miles College Partnership)
- 100%
of faculty participated in faculty development workshops.
- 100%
of science faculty incorporated some form of technology into the classroom
including Blackboard. (Bio Audio Lectures).
- Biology
courses on the Bessemer campus increased by 50% from fall 06 to Fall 07
with a 51% increase in student enrollment on the at campus. The number of math course offerings on
the Bessemer campus remained constant with 8 classes.
Area
of Concern: More
transfer courses needed to be offered on the Bessemer Campus to impact
enrollment and meet the student demand.
- Although
the concern was for all transfer courses, the Biology department offered
more courses than any other department. Biology courses on the Bessemer
campus increased by 50% from fall 06 to Fall 07 with a 51% increase in
student enrollment on the at campus.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Be able to explain and apply
through experiment design the concept of the scientific method (Biology
103).
- 53% of students in BIO 103
mastered the scientific method. (Scientific Method Evaluation)
- Demonstrate proficient use of the
microscope and identification of the parts of the microscope.
- 87% of students
in BIO 103 mastered the use of the laboratory microscope. (Microscope Proficiency)
- Be able to label and identify
organs and organ systems as well as understand the physiology functions of
each system.
- 84% of students in BIO 201
mastered labeling and identification of structures in the
laboratory. 55% of students in
BIO210 mastered the written concepts on the embedded exam questions.
2006-2007
Occupational and Technical (includes Air
Conditioning/Refrigeration, Barbering, Building Construction, Commercial Art,
Graphics and Printing, Horticulture,, Cosmetology, Fire Science, Masonry,
Plumbing Commercial Food Service.
Goals:
- Achieve
80% passing rate in programs with licensures/certifications. (Cosmetology Exam Results)
- Achieve
a 60% average completion rate in all programs.
- Achieve
an 80% job placement rate in all programs.
- Develop
one new industry partnership for each of the 11 programs.
Accomplishments:
- 82%
of full completers passed licensure/certification exams.
- 61%
average completion rate attained.
- 60%
of full completers employed.
- New
partnerships included AIDT, Decoma Magna and The Lovelady Center. Each program utilized advisory
Committees.
Area
of Concern: Instructional space for the Barbering and
Cosmetology programs
Student
Learning Outcomes:
Barbering and
Cosmetology:
- Perform shampoo/scalp treatments,
cuts, styles, perms, chemical relaxing, color treatments, nails, and skin
care.
- 95% of students passed State Board examination and
accomplished the skills based on industry standards.
- Perform
duties related to salon operations.
- 90% of students successfully completed course.
- Demonstrate
safety, sanitation, and law policy and procedures.
- 88% of students enrolled in course successfully
completed the course.
Commercial Food Services
- Plan
nutritional meals.
- 88% of students earned a grade of “C” or better.
- Prepare
hot foods, cold foods and beverages.
- 92% of students enrolled in CFS201 earned a grade
of “C” or better.
- Demonstrate
a variety of baking including bread, cakes, pies, cookies, pastries and
desserts.
- 91% of students enrolled in CFS 201 earned a grade
of “C” or better.
- Maintain
safety and sanitation standards (Commercial Foods Rubric)
- 85% of students enrolled in CFS 112 earned a grade
of “C” or better.
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Educational Programs |
2006-07 Unit Plan |
2006-2007 Student Learning Outcomes |
2007-2008 Unit Plan |
2007-2008 Student Learning Outcomes |
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Academic
Affairs |
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Business
Information Technologies |
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Career
Technical Service |
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General
Education |
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Health,
P.E., Recreation Dance |
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Health
Professions (ADN, LPN, Dental Assisting) |
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Humanities
(Art, English, Music) |
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Library
and Learning Resources |
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Health
Professions |
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Manufacturing/Engineering |
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Occupational
Programs |
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Sciences
and Math |
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Social
Behavioral Studies |
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Transportation
(automotive) |
Documentation:
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Documentation |
Location |
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Nursing Criteria |
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Center for Teaching and Excellence |
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Ebony Room Computer Lab |
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ADN Student Retention |
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Nursing Exam |
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Nursing Proficiency |
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HPR Goals |
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Physical Activities Developmental Practice |
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Library Acquisitions |
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Library Services Knowledge |
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Athena Library Database |
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Math / Science Accomplishments |
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Classroom Technology |
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Scientific Method Evaluation |
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Licensure |
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Student Learning Outcomes |
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Student Learning Rubric |
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Institutional Effectiveness Process |
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Institutional Effectiveness Plans |