Education Department Curriculum Committee

Yearly Report – 2002-2003

 

The Education Department Curriculum Committee for 2002-2003 was comprised of Susan O’Connor, Linda Stevens, Vicki Olson, Lynn Lindow, and Anne Kaufman. Throughout the year we addressed several issues related to goals set in the fall. The goals and our work are outlined below.

 

• Goal: Review and monitor implementation of the field placement/course connection plan. Take concerns from faculty regarding this plan. Bring forward suggestions for change. The committee addressed this issue early in the fall and proposed to the dean that a new position be structured for the department. This position allows for 2/3 time field experience coordination the department and 1/3 time charter liaison work for the college. We are currently conducting a search for someone to fill this position and anticipate having that person on board by September.

 

• Goal: Review and monitor the status of the Rochester initiative in terms of new program development. Rick Thoni conducted a market survey that showed some level of interest in an elementary education and/or special education licensure program in Rochester. Two interest/information sessions were held this spring. Attendance was limited and did not show sufficient interest for a cohort model. Plans are on hold until further notice.

 

• Goal: Review and monitor graduate level continuing education courses, including TPT2 and others as they emerge. The committee reviewed a process for course approval and has been apprised of new course development as it has occurred. Lynn Lindow and Vicki Olson are readers for new course proposals. Terry Cook administers the process once the courses are approved.

 

• Goal: Review implications of general education proposals for our programs. The committee was apprised of the efforts to create a BS degree alternative that would better fit the liberal arts requirements of the elementary education degree. Anne Kaufman and Vicki Olson served on the BS degree task force. The BS degree option was approved by the faculty in spring 03. The education department must propose to AAC a new elementary degree alternative that incorporates the BS requirements. This will be done in fall 03.

 

• Goal: Develop a final project course for the graduate program. Two course prototypes have been developed. One is based on the leadership application project used by the MAL program. Vicki revised the existing LAP to fit the MAE program. Susan O’Connor developed a new action research course that incorporates qualitative and quantitative measures and strategies that classroom teachers will use to conduct classroom based research. The committee has been apprised of these efforts. Both will be brought to AAC in fall 03.

 

• Goal: Monitor and be feedback forum for groups working on graduate program development in reading licensure, LD licensure, and technology certification. The committee monitored the developments of these projects, but had little actual input. The reading licensure and LD licensure programs have been approved by the College and now need to be approved by the State. The technology certificate will be developed next year.

 

• Goal: Review department graduate surveys and exit interviews for potential curriculum adjustments. The committee reviewed the summary of the summer graduate survey and the exit interviews completed each term by student teachers. Discussions were held around what they might tell us about student satisfaction with courses. The most glaring dissatisfaction was with EDC 315 Clinical Issue Seminar; fortunately this course had already been dropped from our list of requirements. These surveys will be monitored each year with an eye to trends and consistent concerns.

 

• Goal: Revise/develop graduate program policies. The committee revised or developed policies related to admission to the MAE program, the intent to complete the MAE program, MAL requirements for MAE, and transfer course policy. Yet to be addressed are written policies for leave of absence, withdrawal from program, academic probation and dismissal from MAE. The policies and an official catalog must be developed this summer and next fall.

 

• Goal: Review department grading profile and determine next steps within the department. The committee reviewed general information but not information tied to specific faculty. Based on this information the committee suggested that the department as a whole hold discussions on our grading profile and practices. Limited discussions were held within the department. More are needed – especially if others in the College do the same. The committee will review the general profiles as they are distributed next year.

 

The curriculum committee advises that it remain in place next year and that it address carry -over issues from this year as well as the following:

• Review a BS degree proposal for elementary education.
• Review a potential social studies licensure major.
• Review a summer geography course and possibly a conceptual physics summer workshop.
• Explore how we might evaluate and get feedback around our advising processes.
• Provide support as needed to the NCATE/BOT review process.