FAQs: QEP Implementation
What is the title of our QEP?
The title of our Quality Enhancement Plan is Math: The Bridge to Success.
How do we plan to improve learning in Intermediate Algebra?
The research has led us to 1) Learner-centered teaching and 2) Supportive learning environment.
What is learner-centered teaching?
The focus is on the learner and the learning process in order to engage students to become inspired, responsible learners who strive for in-depth learning. The role of the instructor is more a facilitator of learning than a lecturer.
We are using Dr. Maryellen Weimer’s five dimensions of learning:
1) The function of content
2) The role of the instructor
3) The responsibility for learning
4) The purposes and processes of assessment
5) The balance of power.
What is meant by “a supportive learning environment?”
We want our classes to be non-threatening so that students are able to learn in a supportive environment. Additionally, Student Services, the TLCC, Learning Resources, and all areas of the College have their unique roles in supporting students and learning.
Does learner-centered teaching pertain just to mathematics?
NO! All professors can benefit from using learner-centered teaching strategies.
How can I find out more about learner-centered teaching?
Professional development is included in the implementation of the QEP. This term (20111) there are four Lunch and Learn sessions where colleagues will present topics related to learner-centered teaching or developing a supportive learning environment. Lunch is provided for attendees.
Additionally, this term two workshops will be offered to aid in developing learner-centered syllabi.
The libraries have a collection of books relating to QEP topics that may be checked out.
What do we hope to accomplish through our QEP?
There are four outcomes:
Students will learn the content in their Intermediate Algebra class.
Students will pass their Intermediate Algebra class.
Students will pass the subsequent class.
Students will get a degree.
When does the QEP begin?
The implementation process has already begun, several professional development activities have started, and two Intermediate Algebra classes, in which some of the new strategies are used, are being offered this term.
The new QEP teams have been formed and are beginning to function in their new roles.
Will all the Intermediate Algebra classes be QEP classes?
No. This will be a phased-in plan. In the spring term (20112), approximately 30% of the classes will be QEP classes. Each term, additional classes and professors will be added until we reach approximately 75%.
Will adjuncts be included?
Yes. Beginning next fall (20121), adjuncts will be included.
Will online classes be included?
Yes. Beginning next fall (20121), online classes will be included.
Will faculty receive any training?
Yes. Dr. Phyllis Blumberg has begun working with mathematics faculty on the five dimensions of learning. She will be working with mathematics faculty again in the fall term (20111) and will return each summer to provide on-going assistance.
What teams have been formed and who is a member of each team?
Here is a description of each committee/team and a list of the members.
Professional Development Team:
The Professional Development Team is responsible for offering learner-centered professional development activities. With the assistance of college staff, a group of faculty will facilitate workshops and other training sessions. In particular, inter-departmental collaboration opportunities emphasizing the relevance of mathematics to other disciplines, careers, and life experiences will be encouraged. Membership will include the District Director for Academic Support Services (chair), faculty representation from both campuses, a Staff and Program Development Committee representative, and WEQC representation.
Courtlann Thomas (Chair)
Fatin Morris (Winter Haven faculty)
Sherry Siler (Winter Haven faculty)
Penny Morris (Lakeland faculty)
Cindy Freitag (Lakeland faculty)
Bruce Dubendorff (Lakeland faculty)
Carol Martinson (Lakeland faculty).
Rose Collins (SPD Committee and Lakeland faculty)
Beverly Woolery (EPI)
Jim Rhodes (Instructional Technology)
Sandra Hinko (Lakeland faculty)
Linda Young (Winter Haven faculty)
Sally Fitzgerald (Lakeland adjunct faculty)
Cindy Jaskolka (WEQC)
Student Services Team:
The Student Services Team will be responsible for the development and facilitation of programs, activities, and services that will support the QEP, particularly the utilization of the Early Warning System. Membership will include the deans of Student Services (Co-chairs), advisors, academic success counselors, and other pertinent staff college-wide.
Saul Reyes (Co-chair)
Reggie Webb (Co-chair)
Gregory Marshall
Michelle Sams
Cate Igo
Kim Pearsall
Simmi Johnson
Mary Westgate
Yulonda Bell
Kerry Shapiro (Airside)
Lenora Burnett
Sue Candia
Learning Resources Team:
The Learning Resources Team will be responsible for the development of auxiliary services to support MAT 1033, including the improvement and integration of individual and group tutoring, development of new tutoring materials and student workbooks, utilization of films on demand, development of new testing strategies, and the redevelopment of testing facilities. Membership will include the directors of Learning Resources (Co-chairs), TLCC staff, tutors, and student representatives from both campuses.
Bill Foege (Co-chair)
Chris Fullerton (Co-chair)
Gerry Hubbs (JDA)
Cheryl Day (Winter Haven TLCC)
Kim DeRonda (Lakeland TLCC)
Mike Whann (Tutoring Coordinator)
___________ (Lakeland tutor)
Lee Wilkerson (Winter Haven tutor)
___________ (Lakeland student)
Implementation team:
The Implementation Team will consist of the chairs of the Mathematics Teaching Team, the Student Services Team, the Learning Resources Team, and the Professional Development Team, as well as one academic dean and one representative from each: the Workforce Education Quality Council (WEQC), the Business Office, the Facilities Department, the student body, the Lakeland faculty (campus liaison), and the Winter Haven faculty (campus liaison). The Implementation Team along with other members of the various teams will carry out the implementation activities of the QEP, providing recommendations as needed. Under the QEP Director’s leadership, each campus liaison will assist with implementation tasks on his or her respective campus, in particular where a specific team is not already assigned.
Kaye Betz (Chair)
Roger Aleman (Mathematics Teaching Team Co-chair)
Richard Leedy (Mathematics Teaching Team Co-chair)
Saul Reyes (Student Services Team Co-chair)
Reggie Webb (Student Services Team Co-chair)
Bill Foege (Learning Resources Team Co-chair)
Chris Fullerton (Learning Resources Team Co-chair)
Courtlann Thomas (Professional Development Team Chair)
Marvin Pippert (Academic Dean)
Saritza Guzman-Sardina (WEQC)
Teresa Vorous (Business Office)
George Urbano (Facilities)
Wallace Minto (Winter Haven student)
Nick Coffman (Winter Haven student)
Lynda Wolverton (Lakeland liaison)
Becky Pugh (Winter Haven liaison)
Latrice Moore (BAS faculty)
Beverly Woolery (EPI)
Mathematics Teaching Team:
The Mathematics Teaching Team will provide support and guidance to other mathematics faculty members for the purpose of redesigning courses and promoting learner-centered teaching in a collaborative classroom atmosphere. Membership will include primarily MAT 1033 faculty but is open to all Polk State College faculty and students as well. The team will select co-chairs.
Richard Leedy
Roger Aleman
Rich Decker
Penny Morris
Lorne Fairbairn
Joyce Lee
Paul Pletcher
Cindy Scofield
Steve Frye
QEP Advisory Council:
The QEP Advisory Council will provide input, guidance, and feedback regarding the implementation and evaluation of the QEP. Further, it will assist the College in promoting community awareness of the QEP by serving as liaison between the community and the College. A key responsibility of the QEP Advisory Council will be to review and address expectations that appear either too high or too low based upon the assessment. Membership on the Council will include Polk State College faculty, staff, community members, and student representatives.
Ken Ross (Chair)
Patricia Jones (District Academic Dean)
Kathy Bucklew (Registrar)
Jude Ryan (faculty)
Melissa LaRock (administrative assistant)
Karen Greeson (WEQC)
Steve Elias (community member)
Robert Gerber (student)
Assessment and Evaluation Team:
The Assessment and Evaluation Team will provide assessment support, evaluation resource management, data analysis and information required for the evaluation, and further development and implementation of the QEP project. This team will review all facets of the QEP assessment data and provide assessment summary reports and comparative evaluations. Membership will include the college’s Research and Reports Coordinator, the Mathematics Department’s Assessment Coordinators, and one representative each from the Institutional Effectiveness Council and the Planning and Budget Council. The Research and Reports Coordinator will be in charge of providing ongoing assessment support concerning all QEP-relevant inquiries.
Peter Usinger (Chair)
Mary Beth Freeman (Research and Reports Coordinator)
Stephen Drier (Mathematics Assessment Coordinator)
Steve Frye (Mathematics Assessment Coordinator)
Teresa Vorous (Institutional Effectiveness Council)
Chris Fullerton (Planning and Budget Council)