SACS Reaffirmation
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Assessment : 2007 - 2008 : Educational Programs :
Philosophy BA
3 Goals 3 Objectives 3 Indicators 3 Criteria 4 Findings 5 Actions
GOAL: PHL 261/364/365 Progression
| Objective | PHL 261/364/365 Progression | |
| Students will a acquire general competence in and knowledge of metaphysics, epistemology, and moral theory. Associated Goals: PHL 261/364/365 Progression |
| Indicator | PHL 261/364/365 Progression Embedded assessment of PHL 361, PHL 364, and PHL 365 courses to measure student learning as they progress through our curriculum. |
| Criteria | PHL 261/364/365 Progression 75% of students in each course will successefully answer at least 70% of the embedded questions. |
| Finding | PHL 261-364 Findings In PHL 364 81% of the students successfully completed the embedded assessment. In PHL 261, several faculty did not report data. Based on the data reported for PHL 261, 75% of students successfully passed the embedded assessment. There was been a substantial breakdown in the assessment process for PHL 261 during 2007-2008. |
| Finding | PHL 261-365 Findings The objective was not met. In PHL 261, several faculty did not report data. Based on the data reported for PHL 261, 56% of students successfully completed embedded assessment. There was been a substantial breakdown in the assessment process for PHL 261 during 2007-2008. In PHL 365 66% of the students successfully completed the embedded assessment. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Faculty Data Collection The Philosophy Program must establish a system of accountability for all faculty members who are responsible for collecting assessment data. The faculty and Program Coordinator must ensure that all faculty are aware of the Program''s assessment needs and their responsibility for collecting appropriate data. |
| Action | PHL 261 Assessment Revision The Philosophy Program will alter its assessment for PHL 261 from an embedded assessment to the use of a pre- post-test method. All faculty who teach PHL 261 will be required to administer the pre- and post TACTS tests in all sections of PHL 261. The Program Coordinator will ensure that all faculty are aware of this requirement and the faculty members'' responsibilities. Drafts of the new assessment are currently circulating among the Philosophy faculty. This test will be finalize prior to 8/1/08. |
| Action | Review of PHL 261-365 The Philosophy Program will undertake a review of the fit between its PHL 261-365 courses to identify and address the reasons for its failure to achieve satisfactory progress in PHL 261 sections during 2006-2008. It is recommended that the Program use the successful linkage between PHL 261 and PHL 364 as a model for establishing a better pattern for the PHL 261-365 linkage. |
GOAL: PHL 262
| Objective | PHL 262 | |
| Students will acquire a general understanding of the application of logic and critical thinking. Associated Goals: PHL 262 |
| Indicator | PHL 262 TACTS  Student scores on the Texas Assessment of Critical Thinking Skills |
| Criteria | PHL 262 TACTS There will be a statistically significant difference between student performance on the pre- and post-tests. |
| Finding | PHL 262 TACTS No finding yet. The Philosophy program is still awaiting final data from the TACTS development team. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Change PHL 262 assessment The Philosophy Program will use a TACTS pre- post-test method. All faculty who teach PHL 262 will be required to administer the pre- and post TACTS tests in all sections of PHL 262. The Program Coordinator will ensure that all faculty are aware of this requirement and the faculty members'''' responsibilities. |
GOAL: Tenure-line Hire
| Objective | Tenure-line Hire | |
| The Philosophy Program seeks the addition of at least one new tenure-line faculty member. Associated Goals: Tenure-line Hire |
| Indicator | Tenure-line Hire Budgetary approval and hiring process. |
| Criteria | Tenure-line hire The criterion for success is the successful hiring of an additional tenure-line faculty member. This goal will not have been met if the Philosophy Program fails to hire an additional faculty member. |
| Finding | New Tenure-line hire Dr. Diana Buccafurni accepted a contract to join the Philosophy Program as an Associate Professor. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | New tenure-line hire The Philosophy Program must work with Dr. Buccafurni to ensure a successful tenure process. This will include ensuring a successful transition to the tenure track and appropriate support and consultation to provide clear path toward tenure. |