3. Describe the process used to develop the local transition plan.
The local Perkins plan for North Arkansas College is developed through group participation that includes the Vice President of Learning, Dean of Information and Technology, Dean of Academics, and Student Services Staff. At this time there is no IR staff but that individual will be included after employed. The position is currently advertised. During the past several years Northark has used a team approach in developing the Perkins grant application to assure that wider institution involvement of more than just a coordinator and the staff members that are involved with the project.
4. Describe how career and technical education programs will be carried out using activities designated as required and permissive use of funds.
Required Use of Funds
As a part of the Perkins III, the math required for many of the technical programs on the North Campus had a three year intensive revision by a team composed of math and technical instructors along with the Dean of Business and Technology. This revised math course continues to be in operation successfully now. A team of instructors worked this year to develop a similar integration of the curriculum with Math (Business Math and Beginning Algebra) that is required for many of the programs of study in Business Administration and Information Technology. Their efforts will be implemented this year as team taught classes. Plans are to start another phase of the integration that was planned last year which is linking or integrating Business English and English Composition. There has been interest of including Technical Report Writing which would impact the Technical Programs on the North Campus.
Northark changed the focus to a learning College several years ago which focuses more on students learning and outcomes, not just teaching to the class.
Tech Prep has long been a part of Northark and many of the activities will continue even without federal funding. The activity that has allowed for articulated credit by completion of a series of high school classes is one that we plan to continue. This will link the secondary Business programs to their Post Secondary counterpart. Secondary and Post Secondary instructors will continue to meet annually to review the curriculum, assure alignment, and approve the courses that can be articulated. This activity will not be funded as a Perkins IV activity but will be under the leadership of the Dean.
Currently there are two CTE programs of study. Both programs of study (business education, CIP codes 52.0101 and 52.0401 and agriculture, CIP code 01.0000) include secondary and postsecondary elements that are coordinated and not duplicative. There is an interest in articulating the business education to a four-year degree program but that has not progressed.
At this time many of the programs have been accredited by trade associations or national accrediting bodies. Accredited programs include RN and LPN Nursing Program, Medical Laboratory Technology, Emergency Medical Services, Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Collision Repair Technology, and Business Administration is in the candidacy status. Most accrediting agencies require that staff stay current with industry through a variety of in-service activities. These same agencies also require that standards are met for staying current with equipment and technology. Northark has a process for replacing outdated equipment or purchasing new technology as necessary through our capital acquisition process.
In 2006-07 a 3-D printer was purchased with Perkins and institution funds to expand technology use in the class room. This technology is becoming a standard in industry. Northark provides training at last twice a year for using technology in the class room, using software like Blackboard in the classroom and for distance learning, and Northark continues to install LCD projectors in traditional classroom to encourage the use of technology in all classes. Instructors have asked about the possibility of having a smart room that can be shared by many instructors and with the aid of the Title III Grant there will be two smart classrooms available. The Grant will also provide training for instructors to use that technology. During the last year a few instructors converted their lectures in a format that could be downloaded to an I pod. The use of Naturally Dragon Speaking was integrated into the curriculum of one course as well the use of palm pilots as a business office tool.
We received a Title III grant and it has a focus of improving the effectiveness of teaching skills, using data to improve instruction and retention. Through grant funds a series of workshops are planned for instructors during the summer. A summer institute is being provided for staff and instructors that focus on retention and student learning outcomes. There will be follow up workshops during the school year that will include additional instructors and staff.
North Arkansas College has professional development scheduled at the start of the semester for both fall and spring semester for all staff and instructors. The workshops range from classroom management to learning styles. New this year will be two professional development days during the semester and no classes scheduled. As a part of the AQUIP Project two professional development committees were formed to specifically focus on professional development for faculty and another for support staff. There is a faculty staff development committee and a staff that will be planning activities for each group.
Many activities are already in place to assure Technical Skill Attainment because many programs are accredited by outside agencies. These agencies review the skills taught, as an example, the Nursing Programs graduates are tested to obtain a license. The pass rate for the LPN graduate for the past three years is 100% and the RN graduate pass rate is above 90%. Students in the Emergency Medical Services take the test to become certified. Automotive Service Technology and Collision Repair Technology are accredited by NATEF. The NOCTI exam has been given for several years to most of the students in the Technical Programs on the North Campus. The welding program provides the testing for individuals to become certified as a welder. As more opportunities become available for Northark students they will encourage to obtain a nationally recognized credential or certification.
For many years all the programs have had a strong link to local business/industry through the advisory committee process. Programs are reviewed to assure that they are current with curriculum and with the internship program there will be almost instant feed back by the interns. As a part of Perkins III an internship program (work based learning) was implemented and that will be expand with Perkins IV. There were Cap Stone courses developed and taught in three areas and more courses are being planned because the advisory committee suggested that there was a need to connect the classes under one umbrella. A 3-D printer was purchased in 2006 which allows the students to print a 3-d model of the item that is drawn in CAD as well as see the part that maybe produced in Machine Technology. The courses and programs are becoming more integrated and connected.
Northark has always focused its emphasis on areas that were of size and scope sufficient to impact the CTE programs that were involved. The career service coordinator will impact on all areas of CTE with internship opportunities and job placement. The other activities located on the North Campus which includes course revisions and modifications, capstone courses, and coordinated service project will involve most of the students and programs.
Northark is part of the two year colleges that provide the Career Pathways program and many of this population will be single parent and the goal is to provide education that prepares the individual to enter the workforce and become self sufficient. In our service area there are many opportunities in the health care area that are high wage and there is another employer that has employment opportunities in information technology that will also meet the requirements. Northark provide services to all populations. The Educational Opportunity Center provides assistance to students that qualify as economically disadvantaged with completing grant applications and assistance in enrolling. Once enrolled these students are provided assistance through the Learning Assistance Center and will now receive assistance under Title III Grand if needed.
Permissive Use of Funds
There are student organization for the technical programs on the North Campus and the Business Programs on the South Campus.
Northark has a Capital Equipment process whereby all program leadership has the opportunity to have a three year plan for major equipment purchases. Each year fund has been available for a fall and spring request and purchases.
At this time there are Associate Degree programs that transfer to a four year institution.
All the programs have a strong link to local business/industry through the advisory committee process. As a part of Perkins III an internship program (work based learning) was implemented and that will be expand with Perkins IV. There were Cap Stone courses developed and taught in three areas and more courses are being planned because the advisory committee suggested that there was a need to connect the classes under one umbrella.
As a part of the Perkins III, a team of instructors worked to integrate the curriculum the Math (Business Math and Beginning Algebra) required for many of the programs of study in Business Administration and Information Technology. Their efforts will be implemented this year as team taught classes. Plans are to start another phase of the integration that was planned last year which is linking or integrating Business English and English Composition. There has been interest of including Technical Report Writing which would impact the Technical Programs on the North Campus.
During the last year under Perkins III, instructors worked in integration of business math and beginning algebra. This class will be team taught in the fall semester by two instructors, one from the business area and one for the math area. A similar project is planned for English and business writing next year. Northark changed the focus to a learning College several years ago the focuses on students learning and outcomes, not just teaching in the class. Each year, a number of the programs that Northark through a program review to determine the success of the program and to assure that it is meeting the standards established.
As the career services coordinator becomes established, there will be more students placed in internships which have shown to lead to better placement. Placement has always been high but we expect that the career services coordinator will assist the completers in obtaining employment in areas with higher wages. During this year activities will be developed for Student Services Staff, Instructors, and career services coordinator to assist in increasing the nontraditional population. Activities may include role models, speakers, and industry visits. The assistance of the IR staff will be solicited to assure that all participants are reported. As the number of nontraditional enrollments increase the number receiving a credential will increase.
As indicated earlier, the career services coordinator will work during the next year to provide internship opportunities for the students. Interest is been expressed in providing internship or mentoring experiences for all faculty and staff at North Arkansas College during the fall semester, but no plans have been finalized.
5. Describe how CTE activities will be carried out in order to meet state and local levels of performance. (See Appendix B for description of accountability measures.)
a) 1P1-Technical Skill Attainment (pending state decision on measurement)
Currently at Northark Technical Skill Attainment is from by outside agencies. These agencies review the skills taught, as an example, the Nursing Programs graduates are tested to obtain a license. The pass rate for the LPN graduate for the past three years is 100% and the RN graduate pass rate is above 90%. Students in the Emergency Medical Services take the test to become certified. Automotive Service Technology and Collision Repair Technology are accredited by NATEF. The NOCTI exam has been given for several years to most of the students in the Technical Programs on the North Campus. The students completing welding are able to take the certification test.
b) 2P1-Credential Attainment (Certificates and Degrees)
Northark provides certificates and degrees through the approval of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. In the allied health area there is third party testing after graduation but the results are reported to the student.
c) 3P1-Student Retention and Transfer
One of the focus areas of the Title III Grant is retention and this includes the CTE students. At this time there are two program areas that transfer to a four year institution and there are discussions for two more areas.
d) 4P1-Student Placement
As the career services coordinator becomes established, there will be more students placed in internships which have shown to lead to better placement. Placement has always been high but we expect that the career services coordinator will assist the completers in obtaining employment in areas with higher wages.
e) 5P1-Nontraditional Participation
During this year activities will be developed for Student Services Staff, Instructors, and career services coordinator to assist in increasing the nontraditional population. Activities may include role models, speakers, and industry visits. The assistance of the IR staff will be solicited to assure that all participants are reported. As the number of nontraditional enrollments increase the number receiving a credential will increase.
f) 5P2-Nontraditional Credential Attainment
As the efforts increase to encourage students to enroll in nontraditional programs the result will be a greater number completing the programs. If students complete they have been successful in obtaining a credential. Nursing is an area that is nontraditional for men and the successful pass rate for all completers of the LPN for the past three years is 100% and the RN the pass rate is above 90%.
6. Describe how the institution will offer the appropriate courses of not less than one of the CTE programs of study. Identify and describe any existing secondary to postsecondary linkages and how Perkins funds will be used to improve or expand such programs.
Secondary Business Education programs which allow for articulated credit by completion of a series of high school classes to their Post Secondary counterpart are currently available because of Tech Prep. Secondary and Post Secondary instructors will continue to meet annually to review the curriculum, assure alignment, and approve the courses that can be articulated. This activity will not be funded as a Perkins IV activity but will be under the leadership of the Dean.
Currently there are two CTE programs of study. Both programs of study (business education, CIP codes 52.0101 and 52.0401 and agriculture, CIP code 01.0000) include secondary and postsecondary elements that are coordinated and not duplicative. There is an interest in articulating the business education to a four-year degree program but that has not progressed.
7. Describe how the academic and technical skills of students participating in CTE programs will be improved and how CTE students will be taught to the same standards as are all other students.
As a college that is accredited by NCA through the AQUIP process it requires a constant review to assure that all students are being successful in both academic and technical area. Technical Skill Attainment receives much attention because many programs are accredited by outside agencies. These agencies review the skills taught, as an example, the Nursing Programs graduates are tested to obtain a license. The pass rate for the LPN graduate for the past three years is 100% and the RN graduate pass rate is above 90%. Students in the Emergency Medical Services take the test to become certified. Automotive Service Technology and Collision Repair Technology are accredited by NATEF. The NOCTI exam has been given for several years to most of the students in the Technical Programs on the North Campus.
8. Describe how activities will provide students with strong experience in and an understanding of all aspects of an industry.
Three capstone courses were developed and taught in 2006-07 and will be continued. These courses tie many of the technical courses together to give students an understanding of a system not just the parts. Internship was also a part of the technical programs and will continue with Perkins IV. As the Career Service Coordinator works with Business/Industry placing students in internships there will be opportunity for follow-up with instructors and students to assure success. There will be contact with all parties to assure that students have appropriate experiences at the worksite to improve quality of knowledge. During the year there will discussions about opportunity for faculty to have internship opportunities.
9. Describe how comprehensive professional development for CTE, academic, guidance and administrative personnel will be provided.
North Arkansas College has always provided professional development activities at the start of the semester for both fall and spring semester for all staff and instructors. The workshops range from classroom management to learning styles. New this year will be two professional development days during the semester and no classes scheduled. Many instructors attend the NISOD annual conference as participants but we have instructors that do presentation at the conference also.
As a part of the AQUIP Project two professional development committees were formed to specifically focus on professional development for faculty and another for support staff. There is a faculty staff development committee and a staff that will be planning activities for each group.
Our Title III grant focus is on improving the effectiveness of teaching skills, using data to improve instruction and retention. A series of workshops are planned for instructors as a summer institute that focuses on retention and student learning outcomes. Follow up workshops are being planned during the school year that will include additional instructors and staff.
10. Describe how a wide variety of stakeholders are involved in the development, implementation and evaluation of CTE programs, and how such individuals and entities are informed about, and assisted in understanding the requirements of Perkins, including CTE programs of study.
A variety of stakeholders (CTE faculty, Administrators, Academic Assessment Team, Counselors, and Representatives from Business/Industry) have been involved with the development, implementation, and evaluation of CTE programs through the many program advisory committees. These committees provide guidance about all aspects of the programs plus provide opportunities for the students as internships or employment. All course changes must be approved by the standing Curriculum Committee. Accrediting agencies review the skills taught, as an example, the Nursing Programs graduates are tested to obtain a license. The pass rate for the LPN graduate for the past three years is 100% and the RN graduate pass rate is above 90%. Students in the Emergency Medical Services take the test to become certified. Automotive Service Technology and Collision Repair Technology are accredited by NATEF. The NOCTI exam has been given for several years to most of the students in the Technical Programs on the North Campus. The welding program provides the testing for individuals to become certified as a welder.
11. Provide assurances that the recipient will provide CTE programs that are of such size, scope and quality as to bring about improvement in the quality of CTE programs.
In order to impact a larger number of students the focus has been on a group of programs or one program that has sufficient size to impact outcomes. Projects in the past have focused on all programs on the North Campus, students in Business and Information Technology, or allied health. This year there will be one activity that will impact most of the students, through placement in internships or jobs after completing. This position will assist in the collecting follow-up information of completers and satisfaction of employers for the completers. A second activity on the North Campus will impact students in several CTE programs through course revision and coordinated service projects.
12. Describe the process that will be used to evaluate and continuously improve performance of CTE programs.
Northark is one of the few Colleges that are involved in a new accreditation process with North Central Association for continuous improvement, AQUIP. This process requires activities to be performed each year for continually improving some activity or process within the institution. There are the various accrediting agencies for programs that review on a regular basis and the fact that the state requires program reviews regularly.
13. Describe how the institution will address the needs of special populations enrolled in CTE programs.
Northark has a long history of serving of all populations. To assure that all programs strive to reduce the barriers that result in lower success rate of special populations, each program will review the advertisement material and instructional process for items that would be barriers for success. If possible new members for the advisory committee will come from individuals that would have been part of the special population as students. Workshops and other professional development activities will be provided for instructors and staff to find ways for improving performance of the special population. Northark will be in its first year of a program called Career Pathways, which focuses on transitioning individuals to self-sufficiency. Many of the individuals that will be served are single parents, and support will be provided to assure that they succeed in their selected occupation. For this population to become self-sufficient the education and training must be an area that has high wage. The career services coordinator will also assist in placement of nontraditional population, and as placement for this group occurs more individuals will enter the field. Counselors and other student services activities people will be involved in promoting individuals to prepare for nontraditional fields. As the career services coordinator becomes established, there will be more students placed in internships which have shown to lead to better placement. Placement has always been high but we expect that the career services coordinator will assist the completers in obtaining employment in areas with higher wages. The assistance of the IR staff will be solicited to assure that all participants are reported. As the number of nontraditional enrollments increase the number receiving a credential will increase.
14. Describe how funds will be used to promote preparation for nontraditional fields. (See Appendix D for nontraditional fields.)
Northark has a long history of serving of populations. To assure that all programs strive to reduce the barriers that result in lower success rate of non-traditional populations, each program will review the advertisement material and instructional process for items that would be barriers for success. If possible a new member for the advisory committee will come from individuals that would have been part of the non-traditional population as students. Workshops and other professional development activities will be provided for instructors and staff to find ways for improving performance of these students. Northark will be in its first year of a program called career pathways, which focuses on transitioning individuals to self-sufficiency. Many of the individuals that will be served will be single parents, and support will be provided to assure that they succeed in their selected occupation. For this population to become self-sufficient the education and training must be an area that has high wage. The career services coordinator will also assist in placement of nontraditional population, and as placement occurs more individuals will come into the field. Counselors and other student services activities people will be involved in promoting individuals to prepare for nontraditional fields. Activities will be developed to provide an awareness of the difficulty of implement nontraditional job.
15. Describe how career guidance and academic counseling will be provided to CTE students, including linkages to baccalaureate and above education or other training opportunities.
Northark has partnership agreements with four institutions that offer baccalaureate degrees. Arkansas Tech provides an opportunity for P-4 degree in teaching, Associate Degree in Nursing to a Bachelors Degree in Nursing, and Computer Information Technology. John Brown has opportunity for the Associate Degree Business students to complete a Bachelors Degree in Organizational Management. The University of Arkansas and Franklin University provides an opportunity for a Bachelors degree but it is not limited to CTE programs. Four Counselors are assigned one four year institution each as the lead for students interested in continuing their education.
16. Describe efforts to improve the recruitment and retention of CTE teachers, faculty, and guidance and academic counselors, including under-represented groups, and the transition to teaching from business and industry.
North Arkansas College has been involved with a program called CBTE, Competency Based Teacher Education, and many of the instructors have participated in the program. Currently two part-time instructors are enrolled in CBTE to improve their instruction by providing training in teaching techniques and lesson plan development. An AQUIP committee has developed a process to assist adjunct faculty in teaching and accessing services provide for faculty.
17. Describe how funds will be distributed among consortium members, if appropriate.
N/A
18. Describe how the local recipient will report data that is complete, accurate, and reliable.
With the hiring of a new IR staff Northark has the opportunity to collect data that is complete, accurate, and reliable. The Perkins Team will share information about the appropriate data to collect, format needed for the data, and share this information back to the appropriate staff for continuous improvement of CTE Programs.
During the past year our data collection may not have correctly reported for the special population which includes the single parents and displaced homemakers enrolled in CTE programs. Included in our Perkins IV team will be staff from the Student Services area that assist in career guidance and information will be provided on CTE programs that lead to an occupation that can provide self-sufficiency.
