23 Curiculum Analysis:

Describe the process which is used to regularly review curriculum and course content.

The NIC math department uses a Professional Learning Community (PLC) model for each pathway, STEM, Statistics, Quantitative. The PLC’s are groups of faculty members teaching the respective courses at that time lead by a PLC lead who earns reassignment time for being responsible for revising and updating curriculum. Review occurs regularly through the PLC for each GEM course.  Changes are typically initiated in response to Program or GEM assessment, or in response to changes in state level initiatives, or curricular changes at our transfer institutions.

What evidence is there that the curriculum is current in content and design to help students achieve the program outcomes they need to be successful at completion?

Program and GEM assessment is completed annually in the spring semester.  Curricular changes are discussed during the fall semester, typically beginning at the PLC level and then brought before the department at large.  In addition, course instructors bring possible curricular changes before the PLCs as warranted for discussion, to then progress through the system of department discussion and implementation.

Evidence that the curriculum is current in content and designed to help students improve outcomes include:

• %MET improved in GEM 3.2 and GEM 3.3
• With the implementation of MATH-143P in Spring 2024, the program will be in full compliance with the state Remediation Policy for GEM courses.  MATH-123 and the newly developed MATH-153 comply using an embedded remediation model, and MATH-143 complies using a co-requisite model with students having the option to choose to take MATH-143P for skill support.
• The department is continuing its discussions of high-stakes vs low-stakes assessment practices in order to get an appropriate balance of each.
• Additional assignment options are being considered and developed for courses to improve student interest and engagement.
• The department is participating in the state-wide discussion comparing statistics courses throughout the state.