Student Learning Assessment
Student Learning Assessment
Assessment at UA Cossatot is a faculty-driven process. Faculty are involved in every step of the assessment process. The primary goal of CCA assessment is to improve curriculum design and graduate well-rounded students who have the potential to achieve their learning and career goals. To achieve its assessment goals, the College collects assessment performance data and uses it to make changes in the curriculum. CCA assessment at UA Cossatot is tied directly to the institution’s mission to improve the lives of those in our region by providing quality education.
Assessment Plan Structure
The Assessment Council was created to develop and implement the assessment process. Members are responsible for implementing the assessment plan, evaluating its success, and sharing results with faculty, staff, students, and the community. In addition, members lead conversations about learning and provide assessment data and recommendations to anyone making decisions at the course, program, and institutional levels. The assessment program is student-centered because assessment starts with the student and then loops back to the faculty when data are analyzed. The CCA assessment plan makes everyone on campus more accountable for student learning.
The Assessment Council and Institutional Research and Assessment director oversee
the assessment process and guide faculty and administration in a three-year review
cycle of the goals to ensure continued relevance.
Faculty, Division Chairs, Curriculum Committee, Assessment Council, and CAO are responsible
for ensuring current and new courses remain aligned and relevant to students, employers,
and transfer institutions.
College Core Abilities
The core abilities represent the college learning outcomes (CCAs).
The Communication core ability includes skills such as reading, writing, speaking, citations, and teamwork.
The Occupational Skills core ability consists of safety and employability skills and encompasses pertinent occupation-specific skills for the Skilled and Technical Sciences and Medical Education students, although Professional Studies and General Education may have some as well.
The Life Skills core ability measures student learning in the areas of leadership, problem solving and critical thinking.
The Technology core ability includes all technological skills that students use for learning, including but not limited to microscopes, computers (hardware, software), calculators, and industry specific tools.
The Social Values core ability comprises cultural diversity, social responsibility, public issues, academic integrity, and ethics.
College Learning Results/Reporting
Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022 Division Assessment (Gen Ed, Prof, Tech)
Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022 Division Assessment (Medical)
Prior Methods of Assessment
Assessment Report for General Education Math beginning 2010
Assessment Report for General Education Communication beginning 2010
Assessment Report for General Education Personal & Global Awareness beginning 2010
Assessment Report for General Education Science beginning 2010
Assessment Council Members
- Sarah Chesshir, Division Chair of Professional and Technical Programs
- Kim Dickerson, Division Chair of Medical Education
- Crystal Sims, Division Chair of General Education and Transfer Programs
- Shawna Stinnett, Director of Institutional Research and Assessment
- Tamla Heminger, OTA Director
- Jennifer Sanderson, PTA Director
- Carolyn Armstrong, Business Faculty
- Stephanie Ringgold, Math Faculty
- Sam Nutt, Industrial Maintenance Faculty
- Rebecca Stobaugh, English Faculty
Program Learning Outcomes
Education – AEK6, AE48, AMLE (both LA/SS and M/S)
In addition to the four CCAs, students will be able to
- identify attributes of an effective teacher, including establishing a positive classroom environment, maintaining student/teacher rapport, and understanding cultures and diverse backgrounds of students.
- demonstrate the application of technology used to complete activities and lesson plans.
Psychology
In addition to the four CCAs, students will be able to
- understand the diversity of gender, race, social class, ethnicity, and sexuality in their own and other cultures and societies.
- use critical thinking to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas from multiple perspectives.
STEM
In addition to the four CCAs, students will be able to
- demonstrate proper lab techniques and safety practices.
- apply scientific knowledge, skills, and understandings to problems and issues in daily life.
Criminal Justice
In addition to the four CCAs, students will be able to
- understand the diversity of gender, race, social class, ethnicity, and sexuality in their own and other cultures and societies.
- use critical thinking to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas from multiple perspectives.
- demonstrate legal and effective practices when interacting with offenders, including juvenile offenders.
- possess a basic knowledge of criminal justice laws, requirements, and procedures.
- exemplify ethical conduct and professionalism.
Assessment Results
Division of General Education PLO Results Fall 2019
Division of General Education PLO Results Spring 2020
Division of General Education PLO Results Fall 2020
Division of General Education PLO Results Spring 2021
Division of General Education PLO Results Fall 2021
Division of General Education PLO Results Spring 2022
Note: Prior to January 2023, the AS Criminal Justice degree was in the Division of Professional Studies, and is not included with assessment of the General Education programs.
Program Learning Outcomes
LPN Program
Outcome #1. Apply nursing practice through accountability, legal and ethical principles, and ongoing professional development that complies with the standards of nursing practice.
Outcome #2. Utilize critical thinking in order to provide an environment that minimizes the risk of adverse events through current evidence-based practice.
Outcome #3. Communicate using positive interpersonal skills to convey compassion, knowledge, technology, and support quality improvement or information to diverse populations.
Outcome #4. Serve as a member of the interdisciplinary team to provide patient-centered care to diverse populations.
RN Program
Outcome #1. Demonstrate quality and safe care that supports a culture of health through evidence-based nursing
Outcome #2. Apply critical thinking necessary to provide patient-centered care to diverse populations.
Outcome #3. Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to provide leadership in all healthcare settings.
Outcome #4. Integrate professional nursing practice through communication, knowledge, technology, and support of quality improvement measures.
PTA Program Goals
Goal 1. Graduates will be clinically competent and able to serve the college region by working as entry-level physical therapist assistants under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
1. a. Students will complete all related skill checks in the PTA Skill Check Manual each semester.
Goal 2. Graduates will demonstrate effective oral, written, and nonverbal communication skills in a culturally competent manner with patients, caregivers and other health care providers.
2. a. Students will be rated at beginning level by the end of the Fall I semester and intermediate level by the end of the Spring semester in communication on the Professional Behaviors Assessment Tool.
Goal 3. Graduates will exhibit effective critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the clinical environment.
3. a. Students will be rated at beginning level by the end of the Fall I semester and intermediate level by the end of the Spring semester in critical thinking and problem solving skills on the Professional Behaviors Assessment Tool.
Goal 4. The Program will provide a positive learning environment, as per End of Course Survey questions, and a curriculum consistent with contemporary physical therapy practice.
Goal 5. Program faculty will model ongoing personal and professional development through life-long learning opportunities and membership in professional organizations.
OTA Program
Outcome #1. Provide occupation-based, client-centered care that is inclusive of consumer values, beliefs and needs. [Occupation and the Occupational Therapy Process]
Outcome #2. Promote health and wellbeing for individuals and populations through the use of occupation. [Occupation and the Occupational Therapy Process; Diversity Factors in Practice]
Outcome #3. Apply occupational therapy interventions based on current occupational therapy principles and best practices. [Occupation and the Occupational Therapy Process; Professionalism and Ethics, Professional Critical Thinking and Reasoning]
Outcome #4. Clarify and uphold the ethics, attitudes and values of the profession. [Professionalism and Ethics; Community Engagement and Leadership]
Outcome #5. Recognize social, economic and political factors that influence and change occupational therapy services and healthcare. [All Curricular Themes]
Outcome #6. Interact professionally with consumers, caregivers, families and/or professional colleagues to achieve service objectives. [Occupational Therapy and the Occupational Therapy Process; Professionalism and Ethics]
Outcome #7. Implement innovative strategies in the provision of services to individuals and populations within the community. [Occupation and the Occupational Therapy Process; Diversity Factors in Life and in Practice]
Outcome #8. Demonstrate effective leadership actions within the community and within the profession. [Community Engagement and Leadership; Professionalism and Ethics]
Program Learning Outcomes
Associate of Science Business
Upon completion of the AS Business program, the student will be able to:
- Operate and utilize the software for problem-solving, critical thinking, data manipulation and communication.
- Apply acceptable communication skills to produce clear, complete and accurate messages.
- Identify, analyze and apply data to demonstrate accounting concepts.
Technical Certificate and Associate of Science Agriculture
Upon completion of the TC and AS Agriculture program. the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of scientific principles and emerging technologies related to agriculture.
- Understand and analyze current events and issues that are occurring in agriculture and how they affect the future of agriculture.
- Apply critical thinking skills in analyzing information, solving problems, and interpreting results.
- Demonstrate ethical practices in the diverse agricultural industry.
Agriculture Business Major
In addition to the Agriculture PLOs, students completing the AS Agriculture Business major will be able to:
- Identify, analyze and apply data to demonstrate accounting concepts
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic economic principles and how they apply to the agriculture industry.
Agriculture Education Major
In addition to the Agriculture PLOs, students completing the AS Agriculture Education program will be able to:
- Select appropriate learning strategies, technology, media and materials to achieve learning in a modern educational environment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the teacher in the classroom through instruction and motivation.
Agriculture Science Major
In addition to the Agriculture PLOs, students completing the AS Agriculture Science program will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and technical skills in agricultural sciences, emerging technologies their applications.
- Apply critical thinking skills in distinguishing facts and applying scientific principles to issues within the agriculture industry.
Natural Resources Major
In addition to the Agriculture PLOs, students completing the AS Natural Resources program will be able to:
- Understand ecological processes, including human impacts that influence ecosystems change and the future sustainability of natural resources.
- Describe how the use, management and allocation of natural resources are affected by laws, policies, economic factors, and private and public resource owners and users.
Associate of Applied Science General Business
Upon completion of the AAS General Business program the student will be able to:
- Communicate professionally in oral and written communication.
- Identify ethical issues when making business decisions.
- Apply critical thinking skills to make decisions.
- Use technology to clearly communicate, calculate, and present concepts and data.
- Apply fundamental business principles to address corporate challenges.
- Solve a business problem or support a business process by using standard software.
Associate of Applied Science Cybersecurity
Upon completion of the AAS Cybersecurity program, the student will be able to:
- Apply needed solutions to secure computer systems and networks.
- Develop and implement a cybersecurity risk management program for organizations.
- Identify cybersecurity policy, ethics, and compliance for organizations.
- Manage and secure cloud-based information resources.
- Pass entry-level, professional cybersecurity certification exam. (CompTIA A+ and Security +)
Technical Certificate Auto/Diesel Technology
Upon completion of the TC Auto/Diesel Technology program, the student will be able to:
- Apply EPA and OSHA safety standards.
- Demonstrate proper techniques while performing routine inspections and preventive maintenance.
- Inspect, diagnose, and repair the major systems found in current auto and diesel vehicles.
- Identify and explain the function of automotive and diesel parts and systems.
- Determine the proper use of advanced diagnostic equipment commonly used in the service and repair shop.
Technical Certificate Cosmetology
Upon completion of the TC Cosmetology program, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate basic principles of hair analysis, haircutting, hairstyling, and hairstyling.
- Implement safety skills relevant to the career field.
- Recognize skin types and skin disorders.
- Apply knowledge of the color wheel to perform chemical services.
- Plan for business ownership and employment.
- Perform basic nail services.
Technical Certificate Industrial Electricity
Upon completion of the TC Industrial Electricity program, the student will be able to:
- Identify National Electrical Code standards and recommended safe work practices.
- Perform electrical calculations to determine voltage, amperage, and resistance using Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s Law.
- Identify proper electrical controls used for industrial motors and equipment.
- Install and wire electrical components and motors.
- Troubleshoot industrial equipment using electrical schematics and proper tools.
- Write and install programs to perform a variety of operations utilizing Allen Bradley PLCs and software.
Technical Certificate Industrial Technology
Upon completion of the TC Industrial Technology program, the student will be able to:
- Repair and maintain hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Attain knowledge of basic electrical systems.
- Demonstrate basic welding processes.
- Read and interpret basic blueprints, shop drawings and electrical schematics.
- Maintain and repair power transfer systems.
- Demonstrate NCCER curriculum standards.
Technical Certificate Pipe Welding
Upon completion of the TC Pipe Welding program, the student will be able to:
- Pass guided bend test to AWS standards for SMAW carbon steel pipe (uphill and downhill).
- Pass guided bend test to AWS standards for SMAW stainless steel pipe.
- Pass guided bend test to AWS standards for GMAW carbon steel pipe.
- Pass guided bend test to AWS standards for FCAW carbon steel pipe.
- Pass guided bend test to AWS standards for GTAW carbon, stainless, and aluminum pipe.
Technical Certificate Welding
Upon completion of the TC Welding program, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate welding safety and proper use of shop tools according to NCCER standards.
- Demonstrate oxy-acetylene and cutting skills.
- Demonstrate shielded metal arc welding skills.
- Demonstrate gas metal arc welding skills.
- Demonstrate gas tungsten welding.
- Apply and understand construction mathematical and reasoning skills, basic blueprint reading, and welding symbols.
Assessment Results
Professional Studies Assessment Results Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022
Skilled and Technical Sciences Assessment Results AY 2021
Skilled and Technical Program Assessment Results Fall 2022
Note: Prior to January 2023, professional programs (business and agriculture) were in a separate division from skilled and technical programs (auto/diesel technology, cosmetology, industrial, and welding.) Assessments were completely independently.
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