February 14, 2007

8:00 a.m.
Livingston Lord Library 120D

Present: Jean Sando, chair; Tim Decker, Rajiv Kalra, Ellen Hill, Mike McCord,
Margaret Sankey

Absent: Ellen Brisch, Brian Smith, Stacy Voeller (sabbatical)

Minutes: Hill moved. Decker seconded to approve the minutes of February 7, 2007. The motion was approved unanimously.

Announcement: Sando announced that a Mock Visit in preparation for the NCA Visit is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21, 2007. A member of the four person team from St. Cloud State University will be meeting with the DCAC at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Sando added that she will also have a separate meeting later that morning. Members were encouraged to arrive on time for next week’s meeting.

DCAC Policy: Sando distributed the most recent version, noting that a few changes suggested by Vice President Midgarden were incorporated. Additional minor wording changes were made. Hill moved. Kalra seconded to approve the policy with the suggested changes. The motion was approved unanimously. Sando will forward the policy to Academic Affairs for placement on the next APAC agenda. Members were encouraged to attend that APAC meeting.

CMT Data: Sando distributed data and reviewed the results. Discussion ensued on the pre-test data from Fall 2006 and Spring 2007. It was noted that spring semester student participation was less than it was in fall semester. Also, fall semester participation was from a limited number of sections. Options to improve both faculty and student participation were discussed. Usefulness of the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) as a means of assessing the Dragon Core Critical and Multicultural Thinking course was discussed. Possible options including other tests, such as one used at James Madison University or by the CLA, an MSUM created test that more closely matches the CMT student learning outcomes, and use of student portfolios were discussed. It was agreed to postpone a decision on the CCTST until the spring semester post-test data is available.

Using an assessment day, which is the format used at Winona State University was discussed. Problems with students taking assessment seriously and possible incentives such as a fee discount and allowing students who participate to register early were discussed. It was noted that an assessment post-test incorporated in a final exam is considered best practice nationally. Further discussion of a common assessment testing day was suspended until the rubric assessment is completed and more data is available.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 21, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. in LI 120D.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m.

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