August 30, 2006

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

Present: Jean Sando, chair; Ellen Brisch, Tim Decker, Ellen Hill, Rajiv Kalra, Mike McCord, Margaret Sankey, Brian Smith, Stacy Voeller

Writing Assessment Project: McCord reported on the Writing Assessment Project conducted over the summer stating he and a group of graduate students assessed the Fall 2004 writing intake assignment of 348 ENGL 101 students. He distributed the findings along with a copy of the assessment rubric that was used to score the papers. Each paper was assessed in five areas; focus, organization, development, clarity and voice by four graders on a four-point scale (1-4) and given an overall grade on a five-point scale (0-4). The data was further broken down into six categories based on student ACT English scores. It was added that the ACT English score is used for self-placement in English courses. The information has lead to creation of a developmental course, plans to gather comparison data from ENGL 102, and creation of a departmental assessment committee. It was noted that a comparison of ACT English scores and final grades in ENGL 101 was completed last spring as well. McCord suggested a meeting with the English department to discuss assessment of Writing-Intensive courses.

Smith raised a concern regarding departments/majors that currently require students to take ENGL 102 since the course will be phased out by summer 2009. He noted a passing grade in ENGL 101, ENGL 102 and on the PPST test is required for admission to the Elementary and Early Childhood Education program. Sando suggested a Work Group comprised of herself, Smith, McCord, and Jim Anderson, Admissions, be formed to discuss the issue further.

Discussion ensued on pre-test and post-test comparison and whether the same score on each test is improvement. It was noted that research shows a flattening of the learning curve for competent students and that must be factored when reviewing data.

Critical and Multicultural Thinking (CMT) Skills Course Testing Update: Sando reported that approximately 15 students have been tested out of 600. The students are receiving extra credit for completing the online test that is offered between 7:00-9:00 p.m., August 28-31 and September 5-7, 2006.

Foundation Four Assessment Planning Update: Sando reported she is meeting with English, Communications Studies, and Mathematics faculty teaching Foundation Four courses. The faculty are being asked to participate in assessment. She added that participation is not mandatory.

Assessment Plan-Draft: Committee members were asked to notify Sando of revisions/corrections to the draft.

Dragon Core Assessment Policy: Committee members were asked to review the Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee (SLOAC) policy and be prepared to provide input on a policy for this committee at the next meeting. Currently, the Dragon Core Designation Proposal Form states: By submitting a course to the Dragon Core, faculty and departments agree to participate in the Dragon Core assessment process. Please communicate with the Dragon Core Assessment Committee regarding how this course will be assessed.

Sando announced that a schedule form will be sent to members so a Spring 2007 meeting time can be determined.

The meeting adjourned at 9:52 a.m.

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