Education Policies Committee
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Members Present:
Corinne Winter, Bill Hixon, Tom Hill, Martin Hansen, Kari Rogers, Mara Adams, Jeremy Burke, Lori Rodrigues-Fisher, Dan Zeimet, Dave O’Connell,
Guests:
Lynn Kilburg, Phyllis Wenthe, Marcia Less, Bob Ristow, Ann Preston.
1. Approval of Minutes -
Approval of minutes delayed until May 3, 2005 meeting.
2. Change Courses in Communication to WI
Motion to approve: T. Hill; Second: M. Adams
WI - COMM 230 Media Writing
WI - COMM 331 Advanced Media Writing
WI - COMM 432 Media Law
WI - COMM 435 Media Programming and Management
Ann Preston provided overview and rationale for change. Departmental review process and change in University writing intensive guidelines prompted faculty to increase writing focus for Communication majors. Two media class and two upper division courses are included.
Clarification regarding peer responders and use of BUZZ responders as integral part of courses was sought. Response: Adding expectation to syllabus was seen as way to build student responsibility. Newspaper deadlines do not always coincide with grading period. Drs. Dienesch and Hustedde have been involved as consultants regarding changes.
Can 200 level courses were taken by students outside department? Response: It was noted that media (200) courses are held in computer lab thus limiting enrollment to 18 or less.
Jeremy Burke asked if students could be served with enrollment of 18. Ann Preston suggested though not anticipated, if numbers in upper division courses increased, department schedule would be reconsidered to accommodate new needs.
Motion passed.
3. Education Proposal for Endorsement in Modern
Languages
Motion to approve: M. Adams; Second: K Rogers
EDUC 330 Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages at the Elementary Level
Marcia Less outlined proposal and provided rationale to create K-6 endorsement option for teacher education candidates in three modern languages: Spanish, French, German.
Will compliment already exisiting 7-12 endorsement option. Elementary Education majors must choose two endorsement areas; this addition increases their options. Bilingual placements are available to teacher candidates. Program supports a broader scope of modern languages and collaborates with Languages and International Studies programs..
All teacher candidates complete a 27 hour core as recommended by State education code. Endorsement candidates would complete eighteen hours of the chosen language and one methods course. Students would one extra course beyond normal education program is anticipated. International experience would be emphasized.
Discussion centered on potential need for teachers with foreign language endorsements, national trends and international study. Brain research related to early language development and No Child Left Behind expectations were addressed. This plan will allow students to make special connections between core/major courses and endorsements.
Approval of this motion must be conditional until grid for new course has been submitted and accepted by General Education Director. This is not a General Education course but materials still must be submitted.
Motion approved on condition
3. Occupational
Therapy Assistive Technology Certificate Program Proposal
Motion to approve: B. Hixon; Second: D. McConnell
AT 500 Introduction to Assistive Technology 1 credit
AT 510 AT with the Child through Young Adult Population 4 credits
AT 520 AT with the Adult Population 4 credits
AT 530 Enhancing / Enabling Environmental Access & Daily Living 4 credits
AT 540 Computers and Communication 4 credits
AT 550 Supporting Individuals with Technology 3 credits
Students need to complete a total of 12 credits to earn the certificate.
Phyllis Wenthe and Lynn Kilburg provided background information regarding the proposal. Program is designed to meet needs of various professional providing AT services. Needs assessment in community yielded interest. Program will consist of a combination of four courses at graduate level. An interested person could take one course or all depending on interest and professional needs. Caregivers desiring information could enroll in AT 500. Obtaining approval for concept will allow OT Department credibility to seek funding through grant proposals. Courses would be offered after funding is secured.
When asked what the certificate would provide for consumers, it was learned that completion of courses might help professional adapt environment for client/student and would help certificate holder qualify for continuing education credit and to seek pay raises.
Enrollment requirements were discussed at length. Diverse learners may enroll; varied prices will reflect enrollee’s status. Graduate credit would be offered to those who have a bachelors degree. Others could take for continuing education credit. Meeting community needs is part of SAU’s outreach mission.
Motion passed.
4. May 3, 2005 Agenda
Economics Proposal
Psychology Proposal
Special Education Proposal
Peace & Justice and Catholic Studies Minors
Motion to adjourn @ 3:48
Motion passed.
Submitted by Ragene Gwin