Student Academic Achievement Assessment Committee Report 3/20/02 1:30-3:00
Members Present: Kevin Arps, Bob Bendotti, Larry Burgess, Tom Butler, Marilyn Cristiano,
Sherry Loch, Paul Marsh, Patri Mays, Rick Vaughn, Shelle Witten
Summary:
There will be a District Assessment Forum at Estrella Mountain on April 19, 2002. A delegation
from PVCC will attend. Assessment in terms of accreditation will be addressed at this forum.
There will be a delegation from PVCC going to the NCA accreditation meeting in Chicago this
weekend. Bob Bendotti will be attending a session on AQIP, a new system that may fit well
with our continuing transformation to a learning-centered institution. The 10-year model is
being supplemented by a new system based on constant self-monitoring by the learning
institution over time. The new system is also based on a collaborative effort among colleges. It
is currently offered as an alternative to traditional accreditation.
An EOL team just returned from a workshop where they received some learning outcome
statements related to critical thinking. Michaelle Shadburne will be distributing a CD-ROM to
interested SAAAC members.
Speaking and listening competencies from a National Communication Association handout were
discussed. The draft for the listening learning outcomes incorporates the points presented in this
handout.
Marilyn Cristiano distributed a handout entitled “The Competent Speaker” (Speech
Communication Association) that contains competencies and evaluation forms. The handout
also contains performance-based rubrics. The eight competencies could be weighted if an
instructor desired.
The eight competencies listed in “The Competent Speaker” can replace the current learning
outcomes listed in the Speaking draft.
It was suggested that the evaluation form found in “The Competent Speaker” could be used in a
pilot program for diverse disciplines. A similar evaluation form could be utilized for
interpersonal and small group speaking.
Clear guidelines on how to proceed with criteria for assessing oral communication can be
developed once we have learning outcomes established.
Committee members felt that group activities did develop interpersonal skills but small group
dynamics also needed to be addressed.
There was a discussion of current status of the learning outcomes of Technology,
Communication, Data/Numeracy/Problem-Solving and the meta-outcome of Critical Thinking.
Rick Vaughn and Larry Burgess will fill in the learning outcomes for Data/Numeracy/ProblemSolving and present them to the SAAAC.
Technology learning outcomes were discussed. Rick Vaughn distributed a handout listing
technology learning outcomes listed from several different educational websites.
It was agreed that students need to be able to use technology productivity tools, but there is not
consensus of exactly which tools. This outcome is difficult due to the changes in technology
every year. It can be assumed that technology will become more prevalent in the school setting.
Technology skills for the general education graduate are expected, yet the SAAAC members felt
that students do not have to be proficient in all areas of technology use yet it may not be enough
for students to just know that technology exists. The question to be considered is: How much
knowledge of technology is to be expected of the students?
The use of technology will have an impact on PVCC’s resources—curriculum, funding, student
as well as instruction time.
It was agreed that some learning outcomes from the Park Street School website and some
learning outcomes from the Kent School District (Kent, WA) website would be merged to create
the first draft of the PVCC technology learning outcome statement.
Rick Vaughn reminded the SAAAC members that Bob Bendotti needed to know the required
hours and job descriptions for the SAAAC summer work.
Next Meeting: March 27, 2002, 1:30-3:00 Room B212
This meeting report is my interpretation of what occurred during the meeting. If you would like
to make an addition, correct an error, or ask questions, please call me at 7-6678. Thank you!