QEP Focus Groups

The Del Mar College Mission Del Mar College is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for students to achieve their dreams.

What is SACS Reaffirmation? SACS = Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Accredits the College for quality and transfer of programs Process of peer review to evaluate compliance with requirements and the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

What is the QEP? A carefully designed and focused plan that: Addresses well- defined topic/issue(s) related to student learning Includes clear goals and objectives Incorporates careful review of best practices Complements ongoing, College-wide planning and evaluation Supports institutional effectiveness

Why do the QEP? The plan is important because it: Supports the College’s mission statement Advances evaluation and effectiveness Engages the College-wide community Focuses on well-defined topic/issues Provides evidence of College’s commitment to quality Promotes enhanced student learning and success

The Process for Focus Groups Divide into teams of 4 or 5 participants Team leader from the QEP committee joins each team Review three topics for the QEP – one at a time Complete individual survey sheet on each topic Discuss survey results within your team Prepare a combined survey for each team

Topic #1 - Portfolios Students prepare a collection of academic work. Used to review learning across multiple levels Goals: demonstrate skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking & computer literacy Best Practices: assessments lead to change & student accountability Expenses related to technology, staff development & part-time personnel

Topic #2 – Supplemental Instruction Academic assistance program to help students in difficult courses – College Algebra, Biology, Accounting & others - Targets high-risk courses – that exceed a 30% rate of D, F or W Peer-facilitated study sessions led by SI leaders & overseen by SI supervisor Builds peer-oriented learning skills & teamwork focusing on academics Goals: improve graduation rates, GPA & higher performance Best Practices: designed by USDOE, Exemplary Program, validated by data/research Expenses related to SI student leaders & SI supervisor

Topic #3 – Integrating Math Instruction Incorporates math skills into technical programs Apply math skills to solving problems & applying concepts to technical courses Goals: improve students use of math, solving problems & graduation rates Best Practices: theory & application in a block improves learning Expenses related to increasing classroom time & professional development of faculty

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