FY15 Planning and Accomplishment Guidelines
Western Illinois University
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
(C&I)
Respond to the following questions in ten to fifteen pages. Attach appendices with supporting
documentation where appropriate. Please be sure to prepare responses that address Western Illinois
University-Macomb and Western Illinois University-Quad Cities as appropriate.
Current Year
Fiscal Year 2015
I.
Accomplishments and Productivity for FY15
A. Give a brief review of the division’s goals and objectives for FY15.

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


Significantly revised departmental website to update content, highlight the work of
graduate students and faculty, better reflect where the department is heading, integrate
social media
Instituted the use of Twitter, facebook and other social media to connect with faculty,
students/potential students, alumni, and community
Revised elementary education to reflect changes from the Illinois State Board of
Education rules – this program is currently at the state level for approval
Implemented first annual education open house in which Illinois Teacher of the Year,
Pam Reilly spoke
Implemented monthly events for students to further their growth and development as
professional educators; these have included workshops and education movie nights
Implemented Professional Learning Community (PLC) at the department level where
faculty read and discuss texts related to teaching and learning
B. List the most important divisional accomplishments for FY15 and document how these
accomplishments support the goals and objectives of the University, including specific
Strategic Plan accomplishments.
1. Enhanced Culture for Teaching and Learning
a.

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
Maintain rigor and high academic standards
Developed Continuous Assessment Plan (CAP) to monitor student access and progression through
program
100% of undergraduate students in the Elementary Education and the Early Childhood programs
passed the Content Knowledge assessment required by ISBE. 92% of the undergraduate special
education majors passed the LBS1 and 93% of these same majors passed the Special General
Education Content Knowledge assessment required by ISBE. 100% of the graduate students in the
Reading Specialist programs passed the Reading Specialist Content Knowledge assessment required
by ISBE.
C&I has the assistance of 10 8-month graduate assistants who assist faculty and administration with
the daily functioning and special projects that enhance our learning culture.
C&I faculty supported 21 graduate students in Elementary Education, 7 graduate students in Early
Childhood Education, and 16 graduate students in Special Education complete action research projects
as part of their capstone experience
b.

Department chair travels weekly to QC campus to meet with faculty
c.

Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability
a.
Identify alternative funding sources
Faculty continue to explore alternative funding appropriate with the C&I Mission, Goals and
Objectives
c.

Identify further costs savings to meet challenges in the FY16 budget
Increasing use of digital contexts for the distribution of course and departmental materials
Implemented use of GoTo Meeting software to hold meetings/share information as a way to minimize
need for traveling between QC and Macomb campuses
b.

Support scholarly/professional activity
Implemented PLCs within the department
6 of faculty were/are involved in the Faculty Innovators Project
Faculty were provided with a small stipend for professional development activities
2.
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Support special program for women in the sciences and government
Not applicable
h.
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Support undergraduate and graduate research opportunities
Implemented Action Research projects as part of the capstone experience for graduate programs in
elementary education, early childhood education, and special education
g.

Increase focus on internships and service learning opportunities
Not applicable since internships and field experiences are integral aspects of the programs within
Curriculum and Instruction.
f.
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Continued focus on the expanded scope of the Centennial Honors College
Not applicable
e.
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Support for the enhanced scholarship model
8 of graduate students in the Reading program wrote and received grant funding totaling close to
$20,000
d.

Support for Quad Cities Riverfront campus
Develop college priorities in fundraising
Not applicable
3.
Enhance Academic Affairs Role in Enrollment Management and Student Success
a.
Implement undergraduate, graduate, and international recruitment plans for each
department/school

C&I has developed several graduate recruitment plans in addition to the plan we have already
implemented at the request of various University entities.

Conducted a Elementary Education Day on campus for accepted students
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Attended and participated in recruitment events held on QC and Macomb campuses

Created graduate and undergraduate program flyers centered on “Choose Your Own Path”
campaign that have been distributed at recruiting events
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Graduate newsletter
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Followed up with interested students through use of emails that answered questions, suggested
face-to-face/virtual meeting times, and provided further information regarding programs

Attended recruiting events at Community College Partner campuses (e.g., Blackhawk, CLC, and
LLCC)
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Worked with International Studies and Department of Educational Studies to offer training/classes
for international students from Myanmar in the summer
b.
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Increased number of faculty have enrolled and completed CITR course for online course development
c.
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Focus on International Recruiting and Education Opportunities
a.
Increase the number of international students
Not applicable due to the state rules related to teacher education
b.
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Enhance access, equity, and multicultural initiatives for entire campus community
Not applicable
4.
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Implement enhanced campus-wide advising procedures
Not applicable
g.
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Review effectiveness of the revised FYE program
Not applicable
f.
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Maintain participation in the Building Connections mentoring program
Not applicable
e.
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Provide opportunities for non-degree seeking students
Not applicable
d.
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Continue to expand Distance Learning opportunities
Increase number of study abroad participation and opportunities
Two faculty offered study abroad opportunities this year; unfortunately, these classes did not meet
enrollment requirements
c.
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Not applicable
d.
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Facilities Enhancement and Technology Support
a.
Support major capital budget initiatives
Not applicable
d.
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Renewed funding for classroom renovation
Not applicable
c.
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Support for the Center for Performing Arts
Not applicable
b.
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Strengthen relationships with embassies and host countries
Not applicable
5.

Develop academic partnerships with international institutions of higher learning
Continue to facilitate the University Technology consolidation and support uTech
initiatives
Not applicable
C. Indicate measures of productivity by which the unit’s successes can be illustrated.

Enrollment data, retention data, evaluation of teaching/primary duties, evaluation of scholarly/professional
activities, and university/community service are used to measure unit’s success.
D. Describe how the division used any of the following categories of funds to enhance
accomplishments and productivity:
1.
Western Illinois Foundation funds

Used to provide scholarships to students
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Used to travel for field placement observations undertaken by faculty behalf of students
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Purchased books for PLCs to improve faculty instruction
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Purchased consumable materials for science lab work used by students in courses
2.
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Not applicable
3.
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Funds available due to vacant positions or dollars saved through hiring of new personnel
at whatever level those funds reside
Grants, contracts or local funds
Illinois board of higher education: 2013-2014 Early childhood educator preparation program
innovation grant. Early Race to the Top Subgrants. Amount funded: $45,000.
4.
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Not applicable
5.
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Internal Reallocations: For reallocations over $20,000, identify the amount, area that was
reallocated from, and the priority that funds supported.
Other fund sources
Not applicable
E. For the calendar year January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2014, provide the total number of
scholarly/professional activities in your area for the following categories:
BOOKS
CHAPTERS /
MONOGRAPHS /
REFEREED
ARTICLES
DOMESTIC/
INTERNATIONAL
CREATIVE
ACTIVITIES
Dom.
Int’l
DOMESTIC/
INTERNATIONAL
CONFERENCE
PRESENTATIONS
Dom.
Int’l
1
10
50
32
II.
6
13
Budget Enhancement Outcomes for FY15
For each budget enhancement received in FY15—temporary or permanent—( i.e., 1% give
back, end of year money) complete an accountability report form. Be specific about approved
productivity measures.
Budget Year
Fiscal Year 2016
III.
Major Objectives and Productivity Measures for FY16
A. List the most important goals and objectives the division will pursue in FY16, and how these
actions will be measured/assessed.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Hire new faculty members in Literacy and special education
Convert 2 temporary unit B positions to fulltime
Convert Underrepresented/visiting professor to Unit A faculty
Increase connections with community partners (i.e., schools, districts, learning centers, ROE
etc.)…articulating clinical/field experiences with content courses
5. Implement new Elementary Education program
6. Create new Middle Grade major program
7. Create new Education and Community Outreach program as a joint major for multiple programs
within COEHS
8. Continue to focus on rigor of programs to ensure that graduates are well prepared
9. Increase community service and/or implement service learning opportunities in coursework
10. Focus on technology integration within coursework and candidates use of technology for
instruction/learning (student-centered technology)
11. Enhance recruitment efforts to identify qualified domestic and international candidates
B. Of the objectives identified above, please indicate which are directly related to Strategic Plan
action items.
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All objectives identified above relate directly to Strategic Plan Goals 1: university Growth and
Recruitment, 2: Enrich Academic Excellence and 3: Provide Educational Opportunities
Objectives 4, 7, 9, and 10 also relate to Strategic Plan Goals 4: Personal Growth and 5: Promoting
social responsibility
C. For Strategic Plan action items noted above, indicate whether you intend to have the action
completed in the short-term (next 12 months), mid-term (2-4 years), or long term (5+ years).
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IV.
Action Items 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 10 are anticipated to be completed within the short-term (next 12
months)
Action Item 8 is an ongoing goal—it will never be complete
Action items 4 and 9 will begin next year, but it is not anticipated that partnerships and working
relationships that are mutually beneficial will be solidified for 5 years
Action item 11 will begin next year, but it is not anticipated that clear international learning and
working opportunities (i.e., with a consistent placement and integration within programs) will be
solidified for 5 years
Technology Goals and Objectives
A. List the most important technological goals and objectives the division will pursue in FY16,
and how these will be measured/assessed.
1. Hybridization of courses. C&I will increase the number of faculty members trained in online
course development. We will follow the procedures identifies in dean’s office for online course
development to ensure that courses are offered in online format. C&I will then pursue
authorization to move online courses to hybrid where this is the best pedagogical choice.
2. Development of a technology progression for candidate development within departmental
programs. This will be accomplished in concert with feedback and input from our community
partners (i.e., community colleges, ROE/AEA, schools, districts and learning centers).
3. Innovative applications for technology use within classrooms that are student-centered
B. Describe how these objectives build upon goals in divisional and/or institutional strategic
plans.

These objectives are consistent with WIU strategic goals and plans. They are best aligned with Goals
1: University Growth and Recruitment, 2: Enrich Academic Excellence, 3: Provide Educational
Opportunities, 4: Personal Growth and 5: Promoting social responsibility
C. For each technology item, indicate whether you intend to have the action completed in the
short-term (next 12 months), mid-term (2-4 years), or long term (5+ years).
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V.
Action Items 1 and 2 should be accomplished within the next 12 months
Action Item 3 is an ongoing endeavor that will most likely never be complete
Internal Reallocations and Reorganizations: Western Illinois University-Macomb
A. What are planned FY16 reallocations or reorganizations, including the movement of
positions, upgrade of positions, creation of new positions, and/or the reallocation of personnel
and/or operating funds.
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Hire new faculty members in Literacy and special education
Convert 2 temporary unit B positions to fulltime
Convert Underrepresented/visiting professor to Unit A faculty

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Seek permission to conduct search and hire tenure track faculty (i.e., at the associate level) in
Early Childhood Education
Work with Macomb Community School District to develop a Reading/Literacy Center
B. How do these reallocations and reorganizations further Strategic Plan goals and objectives.

Filling these positions will benefit student’s access to courses and matriculation through the
university. Additionally, these positions will support C&I’s goals for program innovation and
excellence (i.e., collaboration with Macomb Community School District). This supports Strategic
Plan Goals 1: University Growth and Recruitment, 2: Enrich Academic Excellence, 3: Provide
Educational Opportunities, 4: Personal Growth and 5: Promoting social responsibility
B. Describe how all reallocations, permanent and temporary, will affect the unit’s standard
performance measures.

These allocations will ensure that the minimum required standards for our accredited
programs are able to be met as well as maintaining the quality and integrity of
them. Additionally, they will ensure that consistent interactions between current and future
students are maintained; an idea central to recruiting and retention efforts.
D. How are you finding new funds?
1.
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The new literacy center may generate a modest revenue stream through a sliding-fee scale.
Minimally, it will provide an educational laboratory space in which faculty and students may
capitalize upon for research/scholarly endeavors and grant opportunities.
Faculty will continue to explore and write grant applications
2.
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Summarize long-term external funding goals which extend beyond FY16
Unaware of these at this time
4.
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Provide an explanation of how additional resources would be used to enhance divisional
objectives
Funds are necessary to provide an adequate work and educational training environment that is
consistent with accreditation requirements and best practice standards.
3.
VI.
Describe divisional strategies to seek additional resources (e.g., grants, Foundation)
Develop indicators to track attainment of goals
Benchmarks for the attainment of goals will be calendared with 6 points of attainment
identified as markers for determining the next steps or need to create new or modify existing
action plans
Internal Reallocations and Reorganizations: Western Illinois University-Quad Cities
A. What are planned FY16 reallocations or reorganizations, including movement of positions,
upgrade of positions, creation of new positions, and/or reallocation of personnel or operating
funds.

Not applicable
B. How do these reallocations and reorganizations further Strategic Plan goals and objectives.

Not applicable
C. Describe how all reallocations, permanent and temporary, will affect the unit’s standard
performance measures.
 Not applicable
D. How are you finding new funds?
1.

Not applicable
2.

VII.
Summarize long-term external funding goals which extend beyond FY16
Not applicable
4.

Provide an explanation of how additional resources would be used to enhance divisional
objectives
Not applicable
3.

Describe divisional strategies to seek additional resources (e.g., grants, Foundation)
Develop indicators to track attainment of goals
Not applicable
New Operating Resources
A. Identify, in priority order, requests for additional operating funding in spreadsheet provided
on the Provost’s web site.
B. On this spreadsheet, please be sure to indicate whether you are seeking one-time or
continuous funding. If you are seeking continuous funding, identify whether it is for a period
of years or a permanent base increase.
C. Complete an FY16 Budget Request Form for each request listed in “A”.
VIII.
Facilities Requests
A. Identify, in priority order, requests for facility enhancements over $100,000. These
requests need to be identified as specific FY16 requests or long-range requests. For each
request, identify the ways in which the facility enhancement will advance specific Strategic
Plan goals and objectives.

Develop a Literacy and Professional Development Center at the Quad Cities in collaboration with
Rock Island ROE
B. Provide specific outcomes for each facility enhancement request.

This center will provide faculty and candidates within the program opportunities to study
literacy development and provide professional development/learning opportunities to
educators within the QC community. It is anticipated that such a center will offer the
possibility for the attainment of grants; the goal would be for this to ultimately be selfsustaining.
C. Provide an explanation of how each facility enhancement will affect the unit’s productivity
measures.
 Minimal impact on the unit’s productivity measures of: enrollment data, retention data,
evaluation of teaching/primary duties, evaluation of scholarly/professional activities, and
university/community service are used to measure unit’s success is anticipated.
D. Complete an FY16 Budget Request Form for each request.