Assessment

The Skills Center Machinist Program conforms to the policy of assessment defined by Academic Student Learning Outcomes (ASLO).  The Program Curriculum Outline (PCO) and the Course Curriculum Outlines (CCOs) defines the assessment outcomes for the program and its courses.  Developed through state Jobs Now funds, the program was continued because of labor market demand and continued student enrollment.  The PCO and accompanying CCOs are housed on the college's curriculum committee web site.  Each lists the student outcomes (competencies), the method of assessing these outcomes and which Academic Student Learning Outcome the assessment addresses.  The five ASLO definitions are:

       1.  Acquire substantive knowledge in the discipline of their choice sufficient for further study, and/or demonstrate competencies required by employers to be hired and succeed in the workplace.

       2.  Communicate effectively.

       3.  Develop quantitative literacies necessary for their chosen field of study.

       4.  Think critically.

       5.  Develop the knowledge and skills to be civically engaged, and/or work with others in a professional and constructive manner.

Results of these assessments will be maintained in a department database to be reviewed periodically by faculty to improve teaching and learning.

Other assessment methods include the use of the DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) and periodic meetings with the Program Advisory Committee (PAC).  The DACUM process involves the recommendations for program curriculum from industry leaders.  The PAC consists of industry and college representatives with similar goal:  Improve the program curriculum and make our students employable.