Program Assessment

Each technical program at Bluegrass Community and Technical Colleges is committed to continuous improvement that leads to student success. Different assessment instruments are used to evaluate each program. Some of the assessments include, but are not limited to: Student Learning Outcomes, Program Health Review with Annual Program Summaries and Productivity Reports.

These individual program assessment reports are located by program.

Individual Program

Student Learning Outcomes

Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) strives to maintain high educational standards through a continuous improvement model. This model strives to meet industry standards, accountability measures at local, state and federal levels along with meeting accreditation standards.

Student learning outcomes are identified as expectations of what a student should learn or be able to do by the end of the technical program of which they are earning an associate degree or diploma. Annually, each technical program identifies at least three outcomes for assessment usually based on program level competencies. With input from technical program faculty, the program coordinator or assessment coordinator develops an assessment plan based on a five step process culminating in improvements to the program or curriculum to improve student success.

Identify: Identify the outcome to be measures. These are usually the program level competencies identified by the state Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) program specific curriculum committee.
Plan Assessment: Determine the appropriate assessment methodology and criteria for success. One the method of assessment is determined; the target level of assessment is established based on benchmarks or industry standards.
Assessment: Determine the month and/or semester of the assessment and perform the assessment.
Results: Review the results. The findings are collected and summarized. Technical faculty and the program coordinator analyze the findings.
Closing the Loop: Make improvements. Based on the findings and review of the results, strategies and/or action plans are developed to make improvements.
Finalizing Student Learning Outcomes - Closing the Loop

Program Health Review

Annual Review

The annual Program Health Review process is an internal, two tier process for all diploma or associate degree level programs. This two tier process is used to evaluate student achievement and, if warranted based upon analysis of the results, make program changes to improve student achievement. All programs are involved in a Level 1 review that includes review of five year trend data (Annual Program Summary) and information by the Program Coordinator, Program Faculty, Assistant Dean, Dean, and Vice President for Academics.

After analysis of trend data and information, the program coordinator identifies strengths of the program, issues requiring continued attention, and documentation indicating how last year's program review resulted in improvements in the program/department. The information is housed in the assessment relational data base, Achievement, Improvement, Measurement (AIM). The Assistant Dean, Dean, and Vice President for Academics provide additional comments after their review.

The Vice President identifies programs that require a more comprehensive, Level 2 review. A committee is appointed to review relevant materials related to the concerns. This may include interviews (students, graduates, faculty, employers, advisory committee, etc.), benchmark information, occupational outlooks, national or state data. Following their recommendations, the Program Coordinator, Assistant Dean, Dean, and Vice President add their comments.

Timeline

October	Annual Program Summary Report for each program completed by the Office of Planning Research and Effectiveness.
October/November	Review and analysis of data by program coordinator and faculty.
December	Program Coordinators and Assistant Dean documentation in AIM.
January	Deans add their comments in AIM.
February	Vice President adds comments, identifies programs for Level 2 review and appoints Level 2 committee.
March	Analysis and recommendations by Level 2 Committee.
April	Finalization of program reviews by Vice President.

Five Year Review - CPE/KCTCS Program Review

Pursuant to KRS164.020 (16) the Council on Postsecondary Education and KCTCS college representatives are developing a five year program review policy and procedures.

CPE/KCTCS Program Review Process (November 26, 2012)

Five Year Trends (Annual Program Summaries)

The Office of Planning, Research and Effectiveness provides annual data for each program based on alumni satisfaction, enrollment, persistence, credentials earned, employer satisfaction, and job placement. Information Site under construction. Information coming soon.

Productivity

Under construction.

Status Reports