University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
College of Education
Laura Witherington, Director
Western Education Renewal Zone
Who We Are
• Formerly West-Ark Community College
• Became a 4-year university 2002
• Regional undergraduate university, soon to add
graduate programs
• 41 Bachelor’s degrees; 23 Associate’s degress
• Almost 8,000 students
• Mostly commuter
• Many non-traditional
• Mission: UA Fort Smith prepares students to succeed
in an ever-changing global world while advancing
economic development and quality of place.
College of Education
• 1100 majors
• 120 graduates each year
• 35 school partners
• 16 full-time faculty
Mission: Professionals United to Ensure
Continuous Learning and Success
Why We Stand Out
Criterion 1: Articulation and Evidence of
Outcomes
• COE established SLOs based on research-based best
practice.
• The SLOs are published multiple ways.
• Assignments and assessments were developed based on
the SLOs and in collaboration with school partners.
• COE developed rubrics for consistent implementation of
assessments.
•COE uses a complex electronic data collection system
through LiveText to collect data at all levels.
Why We Stand Out
Criterion 2: Success with Regard to Outcomes
• DAREs: Data Analysis Review Events
• Each semester
• All stake-holders in the process
• Additional sources of analyzed data
• Curricular Advisory Committee
• Institutional SLO reports
• Graduate and employer surveys
• Praxis III
• ADE reports on student achievement
Why We Stand Out
Criterion 3: Information to the Public about
Outcomes
• AASCU McAuliffe Finalist (2010)
• AR Mentor of the Year Awards (2009, 2010)
• Practicum
• Websites
• Facebook
• Monthly TEC meetings
• Scholarly presentations
Why We Stand Out
Criterion 4: Using Outcomes for Improvement
• Changes to assignments
• Change in service requirements
• Disposition clarity
• Coursework (program of study) changes based on
Praxis II score disaggregation
• Clarity of Conceptual Framework
What Now?
• We are changing it all.
• More technology.
• Deeper analysis.
• Expectation for continued growth and
changes.