Instructional Program Review Template for Academic Year 2013‐2014 (fields will expand as you type) Please provide a concise response to all questions, and include relevant details in direct support of your responses. Bulleted lists may be used to clearly organize information. Section 1 ‐ Program Information 1.0 Name of Program: Fire Technology Date: 10.31.2013 1.1 Program Review Authors (include names and campus locations): Ron Waters, Rusty Goodlive, Chris Jelinek, Kim Price (Eureka) 1.2 Dean’s Signature: Date: 1.3 Individual Program Information # of Degrees offered: 1 # of Certificates offered: 0 1.3.1 State briefly how the program functions support the college mission: “College of the Redwoods puts student success first by providing outstanding developmental, career technical, and transfer education. The College partners with the community to contribute to the economic vitality and lifelong learning needs of its service area.” The Fire Technology program provides career technical training to students interested in this field. Students can attain an AS degree or courses are also offered to those currently serving in active fire service by providing Advanced Officer training courses (lifelong learning). Students getting careers in this field can find well‐paying jobs with good benefits. In this manner, the program contributes to the economic vitality and lifelong learning needs of the area. 1.3.2 State briefly program highlights/accomplishments: Fire Technology had its first student who graduated with an AS degree in Fire Technology. There are six required FT courses for the FT.AS degree. We have completed the first set of six, and as of this semester, have completed five of the six for the second round. We have 35 students who have declared FT as their major. We anticipate more students graduating with degrees in the near future. We also plan to have a Certificate of Achievement in Fire Technology available by the end of this school year, which will also increase the completion rate. This FT.CA for some reason was never submitted to the Curriculum Committee. The Fire Technology degree program has only been in existence for three years. Advanced officer courses started in 2009‐2010 and degree courses began with the 2010‐2011 school year. cFT PRC 2013.docx 3/6/2014 Page 1 Section 2 ‐ Data Analysis 2.1 Enrollment & Fill Rate Review and interpret data by clicking here or going to: http://www.redwoods.edu/District/IR/Program_Select.asp Select your program and click on: Enrollments & fill rates Comment if checked: Enrollment ☒ Enrollment rose from 66 (three sections) in 2011‐2012 to 92 (five sections) in 2012‐2013. Two advanced officer courses accounted for part of this increase. Comment if checked: Fill Rate ☒ Classes were 48‐49% full both years. 2.2 Program Majors Review and interpret data by clicking here or going to: http://www.redwoods.edu/District/IR/Program_Select.asp Select your program and click on: # of Majors Comment: There are 30 students who have listed Fire Technology as their major, and another five who have declared for a FT.CA, which we don’t have yet. I believe this indicates 35 people with FT as their major. 2.3 Success & Retention Review and interpret data by clicking here or going to: http://www.redwoods.edu/District/IR/Program_Select.asp Select your program and click on: Success & Retention Success ☒ Comment if checked: In 2010‐2011, FT success was 61% compared with 68% District‐wide. In 2011‐2012, that number jumped to 70% success compared to the District’s 67%. This is a very positive improvement. Retention ☒ Comment if checked: Retention for 2011‐2012 and 2012‐2013 has remained the same with 86% in FT and 89% District‐wide. 2.4 Persistence Review and interpret data by clicking here or going to: http://www.redwoods.edu/District/IR/Program_Select.asp Select your program and click on: Persistence & Completion rates Comment: The Fire Tech Program had a 100% persistence rate from 2011‐2012 to 2012‐2013! cFT PRC 2013.docx 3/6/2014 Page 2 2.5 Completers Review and interpret data by clicking here or going to: http://www.redwoods.edu/District/IR/Program_Select.asp Select your program and click on: Persistence & Completion rates Comment: This program has only been in existence since Fall 2010, so we are just beginning to see people completing the program. 2.6 Program Completers Review and interpret data by clicking here or going to: http://www.redwoods.edu/District/IR/Program_Select.asp Select your program and click on: # of Completers Comment: One student graduated with an AS in FT in Spring 2013. Student Equity Group Data 2.7 Enrollments Review and interpret data by clicking here or going to: http://www.redwoods.edu/District/IR/Program_Select.asp by group Select your program and click on ~ by Student Equity Group below the Enrollments & fill rates Comment: Fire Technology is a traditionally male career. In 2012‐2013, 14.67% of the students were female in the face‐to‐face course and one‐third was female for the online course. That compares with 49% in District face‐to‐face courses and 68% online. Interestingly, last year’s Program review noted 29% of the students were female. Students in the program tended to be older than the District students with 47% 24 or younger (64% District), 25% age 25‐34 (21% District), 27% 35‐49 (9% District). Looking at ethnicity, 73% were Caucasian, compared with 64% District‐wide. 2.8 Success & Retention Review and interpret data by clicking here or going to: http://www.redwoods.edu/District/IR/Program_Select.asp by group Select your program and click on ~ by Student Equity Group below success & retention Comment: Success and retention by gender were very close to the District percentages. The success rates were lower for younger students (56% for the 24 and under group compared with 67% District‐wide), but increased dramatically to the 35‐49 year old group where 95% were successful compared with 74% District‐wide. African‐American and American Indian students tended to be less successful in the FT program. (33% and 50% respectively vs. 53% and 64% District‐wide). Eighty percent of the DSPS students were successful compared with 68% District‐wide. 2.9 Completers by group Review and interpret data by clicking here or going to: http://www.redwoods.edu/District/IR/Program_Select.asp Select your program and click on ~ by Student Equity Group next to persistence Comment: Skip this item. Data not provided. cFT PRC 2013.docx 3/6/2014 Page 3 Faculty Information 2.10 Faculty Review and interpret data by clicking here or going to: http://www.redwoods.edu/District/IR/Program_Select.asp Select your program and click on: Faculty (FT/PT) & FTES/FTEF Comment: There is no full‐time faculty position in Fire Technology. Instruction is provided by a cadre of associate faculty. The FTES/FTEF ratio has declined from 46.0 in 2010‐2011 when the degree program started (District 29.2) to 20.6 in 2012‐2013 (26.7 District). Obviously more students are needed to raise this ratio. However, instructional cost/FTES is $1,668 in FT as opposed to $2,127 District‐wide for 2012‐2013 and this is the most expensive year. CTE/Occupational programs The following Labor Market section should be completed by all CTE/Occupational programs. Only CTE/Occupational programs need to complete this section (2.9). 2.11 Labor Market Data Refer to the California Employment Development Division: http://www.edd.ca.gov/ www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov
Provide a narrative that addresses the following: a. Documentation of labor market demand b. Non‐duplication of other training programs in the region c. Effectiveness as measured by student employment and program completions. Narrative: The goal of the Fire Technology program is to make College of the Redwoods a Regional Training Center. It is unrealistic to expect it to be used to only train local firefighters. However, CR as a fire instruction site was approved several years ago by the North Far North Consortium. The nearest Fire Technology training centers are in Yreka, Santa Rosa, Butte College and South Lake Tahoe, making the nearest location four hours away. The program is still too young to comment on effectiveness as measured by employment and completions. Several students taking the FT.AJ program are volunteer firefighters from the local area. HROP had been providing Fire training to local agencies, but their funding for that program was eliminated in mid‐2013, leaving CR the lone provider of training other than training arranged by the agencies themselves. Wages The median wage in 2013 for Fire Fighters in California is $71,863 annually, or $34.55 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less. cFT PRC 2013.docx 3/6/2014 Page 4 Annual Wages for 2013 Low (25th percentile) Median (50th percentile) High (75th percentile) $53,675 $71,863 $93,459 California Projections of Employment In California, the number of Fire Fighters is expected to grow slower than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Fire Fighters are expected to increase by 7.0 percent, or 2,300 jobs between 2010 and 2020. Estimated Employment and Projected Growth Fire Fighters Geographic Area (Estimated Year‐
Projected Year) California (2010‐2020) Estimated Employment Projected Employment Numeric
Change 33,100 35,400 2,300 Additional Openings
Percent
Due to Net Change Replacements 7.0 cFT PRC 2013.docx 3/6/2014 Page 5 9,100 Annual Job Openings In California, an average of 230 new job openings per year is expected for Fire Fighters, plus an additional 910 job openings due to net replacement needs, resulting in a total of 1,140 job openings. Estimated Average Annual Job Openings Fire Fighters Geographic Area (Estimated Year‐ Projected Year) Jobs From Growth
Jobs Due to Net Replacements Total Annual Job Openings 230 910 1,140 California (2010‐2020) Source: EDD/LMID Projections of Employment by Occupation
Job openings locally are an issue because there are only four paid fire agencies in Humboldt & Del Norte counties: National Forest Service, CalFire, Humboldt Bay Fire Department and Arcata Fire Department. However, the other training centers were turning away applicants and reported that if we started a Fire 1 Academy, we would find ourselves in the same position with an abundance of applicants. We could expect people to come here for the 17‐18 week long program from various parts of the state to get the training. Humboldt County is also in an unusual situation with well over 30 volunteer fire departments spread across the county. These departments all need training for their personnel. HROP used to be the venue of choice, but their fire program has closed, leaving CR to fill the gap. Currently, Community Ed is looking at exploring possibly providing the volunteer academy and the wildland firefighting programs that HROP used to provide. Summary of Section 2 Overall, what did you learn from the data provided in this section? Be sure to indicate if your discoveries apply to the entire district, or if they vary by site. There is a need for this training, and there are jobs available in the field. cFT PRC 2013.docx 3/6/2014 Page 6 Section 3 – Critical Reflection of Assessment Activities Curriculum & Assessment Data What courses, if any are not on track with regard to a 2‐year assessment cycle? Explain if this is a consequence of how often the course is offered or other mitigating factors such as outcome updates that may have changed the assessment cycle. # of course SLO reports submitted during 2012‐2013. Reports submitted in 2012‐13 up to the Sept 15, 2013 deadline were included in 2012‐2013. # of degree/cert (PLO) reports submitted during 2012‐2013. Reports submitted in 2012‐13 up to the Sept 15, 2013 deadline were included in 2012‐2013. % of Course Outlines of Record up to date. Includes approvals through spring 2013. Explain any mitigating circumstances. Indicate if you have submitted updated Course Outlines of Record this fall. If there is no plan for updating outdated curriculum, when will you inactivate? View curriculum status: click here or go to: http://www.redwoods.edu/District/IR/Program_Select.asp Select your program and click on: Curriculum Status Did the Program Advisory Committee Meet in the last year? Y/N Click here to view the Program Advisory Committee webpage None 3 0 All courses are up‐to‐date. One Advanced Officer course was approved in Fall 2013 (FT 120) Yes 3.1 What changes have been made to the program based on assessment findings? You may include results from your closing the loop reports that map to your program. None 3.2 (Optional) Describe assessment findings/observations that may require further research or institutional support. Summary of Section 3 Provide any additional explanations for items described in section 3. Program assessment will be done in the fall semester 2013 by meeting with the instructional cadre and compiling their feedback. cFT PRC 2013.docx 3/6/2014 Page 7 Section – 4 Evaluation of Previous Plans 4.1 Describe plans/actions identified in the last program review and their current status. What measurable outcomes were achieved due to actions completed. Action plans may encompass several years; an update on the current status, or whether the plan was discarded and why. Click here to view completed program reviews from last year. Actions Taken Current Status Impact of Action (describe all relevant data used to evaluate the impact) Accreditation as Regional Training Center Still on hold Would allow CR to serve as a fully‐
accredited Regional Training Center, offering more advanced courses to area fire personnel. Development of Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement On hold pending results of 4021 process Increase completion rate for College. Currently there is no FT.CA Development of Wildland Firefighting Technology Degree program On hold – lack of staff (possibly to be offered through Community Ed in the interim as not‐for‐credit) Development of Workforce “Professional Development” curriculum On hold – lack of staff Development of “Volunteer Fire Fighter Academy” On hold – lack of staff (possibly to be offered through Community Ed in the interim as not‐for‐credit) 4.2 (If applicable) Describe how funds provided in support of the plan(s) contributed to program improvement: cFT PRC 2013.docx 3/6/2014 Page 8 Section – 5 Planning Click here to link to Institutional Planning Documents 5.1 Program Plans Based on data analysis, student learning outcomes and program indicators, assessment and review, and your critical reflections, describe the actions to be taken for the 2013‐2014 academic year. Use as many rows as you have actions, and add additional rows if you have more than 5 actions. Please number all rows that you add. Please be specific. This section and section 6 should include a detailed justification so that the resource prioritization committees understand your needs and their importance. * Not all actions in this program plan section may require resources, but all resource requests must be linked to this section. 5.1 Program Plans Action # 1 Action to be taken: Relationship to Institutional Plans Expected Impact on Program/Student Learning Include the specific plan and action item relevant to your action to be taken. For example: Annual Plan 2013‐
2014 Theme: Persistence; or List the specific action Goal 1: Student Success: to be taken in enough EP.1.6.2 Develop a plan for narrowing the achievement gap detail so that someone outside of your area can for underrepresented student populations. understand. Describe the expected impact in a way that someone outside the program can understand. The impact should be measurable. 2012‐2017 Education Master Plan, Goal 1, Objective 1: Increase transfers and degrees and certificate completions Having a Certificate of Achievement available will increase completions. Students will have met all program learning objectives. Complete FT.CA. Fire Technology Certificate of Achievement cFT PRC 2013.docx 3/6/2014 Page 9 Relationship to Assessment Include all assessment results that indicate that this action will yield the desired impact on the program. If the assessment has yet to be conducted, explain when and how it will be conducted. A survey was done during late Spring 2013 semester of FT students. Only 11 students responded, but of those 90% said they intended to get their AS degree in FT through CR. Completing their AS would also allow them to receive a FT.CA. Resources Needed (Y/N) A yes here requires a corresponding request in the next section. None 2 3 4 5 6 2012‐17, Education Master Plan, Goal 1: 1.1 Provide structured academic pathways. Become Accredited Fire Goal 2: Develop Programs and Training Center through Services to Meet Community State Fire Marshall Needs 2.4 CTE programs respond to community training needs. 2012‐17, Education Master Plan, Goal 1: Ensure Student Success 1.1 Provide structured academic pathways 1.2 Improve support for students 1.3 Improve effectiveness of basic skills education Hire full‐time instructor 1.4 Increase transfers and degree and certificate completions Goal 2: Develop Programs and Services to Meet Community Needs 2.4 CTE programs respond to community training needs. Without bring accredited, we cannot offer courses that If we become an accredited Fire Training local agencies need, requiring them to Center, we will be able to offer more advanced training and an accredited Fire either send 1 Academy employees out of the area or put the training on themselves. See Section 6 This program has functioned without a full‐time faculty person, relying on a cadre of part‐time instructors. Proposal is to hire one person who has release time to also help coordinate the program. See Section 6 5.2 Provide any additional information, brief definitions, descriptions, comments, or explanations, if necessary. The Fire Technology program was resurrected in 2009 after several years of inactivity by then‐President Dr. Marsee. He publicly advocated for not only an AS.FT degree, but a Fire 1 Academy at a minimum. This generated a great deal of enthusiasm and good enrollment. However, as funding became tighter and he left the college, the program has floundered. Two Coordinators have been here trying to get the program going. The first left out of frustration and the second when he was told his position would not be funded in the following year due to budget issues. Enrollment has been relatively flat, averaging 15‐18 students in the degree classes. The local fire agencies would like to see CR become an cFT PRC 2013.docx 3/6/2014 Page 10 accredited training center so a variety of advanced officer courses could be provided without the need to travel out of the area. The part‐time instructors we have are doing a very good job of presenting the information, but a full‐time instructor is needed as outlined above, both to oversee and to coordinate the program. The program is currently in the 4021 process, and hopefully a decision will be made to revitalize rather than eliminate it. The program needs to meet the needs not only of the paid fire agencies in the region, but also the many rural volunteer agencies. Section 6 ‐ Resource Requests 6.0 Planning Related, Operational, and Personnel Resource Requests. Requests must be accompanied by an action plan in the above section. Requests should include estimated costs. Submit a support ticket if you do not know the estimated costs. If you are requesting personnel resources, you must also include the “Request for Faculty or Staffing” forms, located at inside.redwoods.edu/program review. Submit one form for each request. Additional Instructions: 
Put down the full amount you are requesting in the “Amount” column. Put down the annual amount of any ongoing or recurring costs in the “Annual Recurring” column. For example, a personnel request for a permanent position might show an Amount of $30,000 and an Annual Recurring Cost of $30,000. A request for equipment might show an Amount of $5,000 and an Annual Recurring cost of $200. A professional development request might show an Amount of $800 and a recurring cost of $0. 
If you have a grant or some other source of funding, include in the “Request” column a brief description of the source of funds and the dollar amount that is expected to be covered by the other source and if the other source covers any of the annual recurring costs. 
Note in the “Request” column if this is a repeat request, and how many times you have submitted this request. The item number must match the corresponding action # from section 5. Add rows as necessary. Type of Request (Check One) Operational Personnel Professional Planning To be Development reviewed by To be Prioritization Contact reviewed by Committees To be To be Action Person the of the reviewed reviewed by Request # $ Annual (Name, Professional Budget and grouped Faculty Describe your request here in a way that someone $ use # Recurring email, Planning by Associate Prioritization Development outside the program can understand. Amount
above Costs phone) Committee Committee Deans. Committee. 2 Accreditation through State Fire Marshall X 2,500 0 Ron ***Repeat request from last year*** Waters, ron‐
waters
cFT PRC 2013.docx 3/6/2014 Page 11 3 Hire Full‐time Instructor X 57.982 57,982 @redw
oods.e
du, 476‐
4331 ame Section 7‐Author Feedback Provide any constructive feedback about how this template or datasets could be improved. How much do you agree with the following statements? (mark your choice with an x )
Strongly Somewhat
Somewhat Strongly
Neutral
Agree
Agree
Disagree Disagree
This year’s program review was valuable
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in planning for the ongoing improvement
of my program.
Analysis of the program review data was
useful in assessing my program.
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Section 8‐ PRC Response by section (completed by PRC after reviewing the program review) 8.0 The response will be forwarded to the author and the supervising Director and Vice President: S.1. Program Information: Completed Note: fire tech went thru 4021 process and suspension recommended. S.2. Data Analysis: Acceptable, PRC suggests providing more detailed explanations S.3. Critical Reflection of Assessment Activities: Developing; Some course outlines need updating. S.4. Evaluation of Previous Plans: Exemplary S.5. Planning: Developing. PRC Suggestions: Item #2: The description of the “relationship to assessment” does not indicate how the action is related to assessment. Item #3: What is indicated in the “impact on program/student learning” does not identify an impact on the program or student learning. There is nothing indicating that this item is related to assessment. Items #2 and #3: There is not a yes/no response in the “resources cFT PRC 2013.docx 3/6/2014 Page 12 needed” column. S.6. Resource Requests: Acceptable. PRC suggestions: the first request identifies “accreditation through state fire marshal,” and this does not indicate exactly what is being requested (an application or site visit fee)? Note: fire tech went thru 4021 process and suspension recommended. cFT PRC 2013.docx 3/6/2014 Page 13