Advanced Programs Committee
Minutes of meeting on 1/23/01
Present: Carolyn Finch, Assoc. Dean; Chris Bocklage, Art; Ron Fulkert, BTE; Jane Gordon, TED; Tom McDole, BTE; Erik Pedersen, HPERD; Kaia Skaggs, TED; Sue Stickel, L&C; Jackie Tracy, L&C; Judy Williston, TED
Minutes from the 11/14/00 meeting were approved. The December meeting, scheduled for 12/12/00, was not held since the university was closed due to snow.
Two notebooks containing course change requests have been prepared. One will be in 206 Porter (C. Finch’s office) primarily for use by non-COE members, and the second will be in the Dean’s office on the third floor. Included in each will be a checksheet for individuals to sign when the material has been reviewed. There was a procedural question about how many people need to vote in order for a decision to be made. This led to questions about whether the committee has a quorum and whether a vote is a person or a vote is a program (since there are individuals who represent multiple degree programs). Unless we determine otherwise, it was generally agreed that each committee member has a vote, and that once given the opportunity, those who do not vote will forfeit their vote. The EDLD change requests have been placed in the notebooks and committee members are asked to review the changes and give their feedback prior to February 16th.
Jackie Tracy spoke briefly about the EDLD requested changes which resulted from a curriculum alignment process started in 1996. Most of the changes have been piloted since then. Credit changes reflect the work in the courses, title changes reflect current thinking the field. The changes will not increase the total number of credits required for students to attain a degree. She clarified that the courses, some of which may be of interest to grad students in other programs, are open to non-COE graduate students.
The Dean had asked the committee to make a recommendation for the committee’s functioning during the spring/summer terms. Several options were discussed, including: sending requests to department heads for action or having each committee member designate a person to handle spring/summer requests. The chairperson would designate and interim chairperson or contact. Again the question arose as to how many votes would be needed to approve an action and how disagreements would be resolved. It was agreed that each member would designate a person to handle spring/summer (might be one each term) and give their names to the chair, who would also designate a contact person if necessary. Major course and program revisions would not be handled during spring or summer and would have to wait until fall, but routine requests could be approved.
We then looked at the Dean’s memo containing questions regarding conceptual frameworks. Question #1 asks whether we need/want separate conceptual frameworks for initial and advanced programs, a single conceptual framework for all programs, or separate frameworks for individual programs. Discussion points included a problem with the assumption that there is a continuous progression from undergraduate to a graduate program. Programs at the advanced level should have their own components distinct from initial preparation, such as the emphasis on research and specialized emphases in advanced programs. One conceptual framework for all programs is probably too general, separate ones for each individual program too much. People have worked hard on what already exists and don’t want to abandon what they’ve done, but a common structure with leeway for programs to fill in with their own special needs would be helpful. There was discussion about how the programs should be grouped – teaching vs. non-teaching personnel, distinct department or subject groupings – and at what level there should be uniformity and at what level programs should diverge. The movement was made and accepted to adopt the generic outline that Dr. Finch presented as a format and to refine it to provide optimal structure and clarity of expectations along with flexibility. Dr. Finch will provide a template as an example. Programs can start their literature searches and pull together program standards on the national and state level. Programs also need to begin to identify program outcomes and assessments.
The discussion also reiterated that a conceptual framework is not an outline of what is in the courses offered. Programs will have to do a literature search and cite research and expertise, although some of this can be done at the unit level and other parts at the program level. There needs to be a bibliography for each area. The group agreed that having a format would be the most helpful and that a template provided would be beneficial.
For February, committee members should bring their theme/vision statements, mission statements, and program goals and start the literature searches. Dr. Finch will bring a template and examples of a format for alignment of goals. This discussion will constitute the bulk of the agenda for the February meeting.
Subsequent meetings of the Advanced Programs committee will take place on Feb. 20th, March 20th, and April 17th.
Respectfully submitted,
Kaia Skaggs