Institutional Effectiveness

Institutional Effectiveness

The Kankakee Community College Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment is responsible for promoting a culture of evidence and data-driven continuous improvement.

The department provides leadership and coordination for the following college-wide initiatives and activities:

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Kankakee Community College is committed to improving academics at the course, program, and institutional levels by assessing student learning and making adjustments to our programs and courses in order to improve student success.

On this site you will find academic assessment plans, current assessment activities and changes being implemented that reflect our assessment data

Learning outcomes assessment graphic

Figure based on National Institute for Learning Outcomes Transparency Framework. Urbana, IL: University of Illinois and Indiana University, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA).

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Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes statements clearly state the expected knowledge, skills, attitudes, competencies and habits of mind that students are expected to acquire at an institution of higher education.

These outcomes are listed institutionally, through programs, and through courses.

Institutional

General Education Outcomes

KCC has 3 General Education Outcomes:

  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Responsibility
Communication
  • Students who graduate from KCC will be able to create and interpret messages within specific contexts and multiple channels and modalities.
Critical Thinking
  • Students who graduate from KCC will be able to comprehensively analyze and evaluate issues, ideas, and evidence before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion. 
Responsibility
  • Students who graduate from KCC will model ethical and professional behavior and cultivate an environment supportive of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. 

Business and Technology Program Outcomes

Agri-Hort Technology
  1. Compare and contrast basic theories, concepts, and terminology used in horticulture.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of sustainable horticultural practices. 3.vDemonstrate skill in the use of equipment, tools, environmental controls, and computers as they relate to the horticultural field.
  3. Perform basic landscape design, construction, and maintenance techniques needed to execute residential and commercial landscape projects.
  4. Identify common landscape plants for the Midwest (Illinois) and describe their cultural needs.
  5. Diagnose plant disease and pest problems, and recommend management options.
  6. Explain basic plant growth principles and how they relate to the propagation, production, use, and maintenance of landscape plant materials.
  7. Identify and practice safety, environmental protection, workplace ethics, and leadership skills in the horticultural workplace.
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
  1. Troubleshoot heating and cooling system problems.
  2. Identify safety procedures when working with heating and cooling systems.
  3. Evaluate measurable pressures, saturation temperatures, sub-cooling and superheat factors.
  4. Identify components that are used to make up heating and cooling systems for homes and commercial use.
  5. Identify components and wiring to compare logic and schematic drawings to trace electrical voltages for successful circuit analysis.
  6. Determine heat gain/loss based upon enthalpy, air flow and needs of structures.
Automotive Technology
  1. Demonstrate safe work habits and techniques in the use of vehicles and equipment in shop operations.
  2. Show proper usage of common measuring devices and automotive testing equipment.
  3. Identify appropriate tools and materials required for the appropriate automotive repair.
  4. Determine manufacturer’s specifications when making repairs and adjustments to vehicles.
  5. Demonstrate diagnosis and repair of heating and air conditioning, brakes, engines, and electrical system issues within specific time limits
Business Accounting
  1. Analyze and record financial transactions in a manual and computerized system.
  2. Prepare financial statements according to generally accepted accounting principles.
  3. Analyze and prepare financial information for management decision-making.
  4. Compute payroll transactions in accordance with current payroll reporting requirements.
  5. Business Marketing/Management
  6. Demonstrate how to work productively individually and in a team environment.
  7. Describe and maintain effective working relationships in multicultural settings.
  8. Evaluate communication for clarity and professionalism in written and oral formats
  9. Analyze information and identify solutions to problems
  10. Explain and apply basic principles of management and marketing to organizational operations.
Child Development
  1. Apply child development theory to practice.
  2. Observe, record, and assess child growth and development.
  3. Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.
  4. Incorporate developmentally appropriate guidance strategies.
  5. Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices according to local, state, and national standards.
  6. Provide a respectful, diverse, and inclusive program.
  7. Use interpersonal skills to develop respectful relationships with children and adults.
  8. Demonstrate professional and ethical standards. 9.Advocate for children, families, and the profession.
Computer Graphic Technology
  1. Produce design documentation (multiview drawings, section views, and floor plans) using feature and location dimensions according to industry drafting standards using CAD software such as Autodesk AutoCAD.
  2. Demonstrate advanced 2D CAD software concepts using Autodesk AutoCAD software such as: 2D parametric drafting, standard blocks, dynamic blocks, plotting layouts, annotative objects, and external references.
  3. Demonstrate solid modeling design concepts using Autodesk AutoCAD software.
  4. Develop a product using a rapid prototyper (ie 3D Printer)
  5. Create realistic static and animated visualizations of designs using backgrounds, material assignments, lighting and shading using Autodesk 3ds Max.
  6. Create exploded pictorial drawings, assembly drawings, and material component lists using a parametric modeler such as Autodesk Inventor.
  7. Develop complete architectural plans using common architectural standard graphic practices using a Building Information Model (BIM) software such as Autodesk Revit.
  8. Create highly detailed organic models using sculpting, texturing, and painting tools for film, television, industrial, and gaming industries with Autodesk Mudbox software.
  9. Develop and create a basic video game by combining art, 3D modeling and programming.
  10. Demonstrate proper use of a digital camera and apply photographic techniques such as: composition, fast action, panning, night time, depth of field, macro, focus lock, and black and white settings to produce creative images for the computer graphic industry.
  11. Design, build and maintain a website
  12. Design and build a comprehensive mock-up of a retail package.
  13. Repair and correct a damaged photograph using Abobe Photoshop
  14. Create a poster by generating and manipulating of photographic and graphic images.
  15. Create a 2D animation using Abode Animate and/or After Effects.
  16. Design a corporate identity by applying relationships between type, illustration, and photographs in a layout using Adobe InDesign software.
  17. Create a digital illustration for print and/or web publications using the basic elements of art and principals of design.
Construction Craft Laborer
  1. Describe usage of all tools, machinery and equipment commonly used in the construction of roadways and parking lots.
  2. Identify symbols and measurements used in common blueprints.
  3. Utilize surveying equipment to offer appropriate information about potential construction site
  4. Identify solutions to common problems in working with pipe.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of typical building systems and construction materials.
  6. Demonstrate proper techniques in working with concrete.
  7. Perform satisfactory service to all types of customers.
Construction Management
  1. Calculate strength and resilience of various construction materials.
  2. Identify various commercial building operational strategies.
  3. Demonstrate differential leveling theory and practice.
  4. Identify major mechanical and electrical systems of commercial buildings.
  5. Construct forms and property handle and cure various masonry products.
  6. Complete project bid using blueprints and provided specifications.
  7. Interpret various building code provisions.
Education
  1. Students will examine the roles and the importance of including students with disabilities, as appropriate, and all team members in planning individualized education programs (i.e, IEP, IFSP, Section 504 plan) for students with disabilities.
  2. Students will observe local educators working with students in the Pk-12 classroom environment.
  3. Students will reflect on the classroom techniques and strategies used by local educators.
  4. Students will evaluate best practices and research-based materials against benchmarks within the disciplines.
  5. Students will research the tools and knowledge related to latest findings (e.g., research, practice, methodologies) and technologies in the disciplines.
  6. Students will examine how teaching and student learning is influenced by development (physical, social and emotional, cognitive, linguistic), past experiences, talents, prior knowledge, economic circumstances and diversity within the community.
Electrical Engineering Technology
  1. Use safe work habits and techniques when constructing, installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, or repairing industrial machinery and systems.
  2. Properly use basic hand tools, small power tools, and standard measuring instruments commonly employed in the field of industrial machinery and systems.
  3. Successfully construct circuits, translating industry-standard drawings and documentation into their intended physical manifestations, properly performing their intended physical functions, using effective technique in the installation of industrial machinery and systems.
  4. Effectively troubleshoot and diagnose common electrical circuit and system faults by drawing sensible and reasonable conclusions from all available data.
  5. Effectively troubleshoot and diagnose common electrical circuit and system faults by accurately analyzing the appropriate drawings and documentation relative to noted trouble symptoms.
  6. Effectively troubleshoot and diagnose common electrical circuit and system faults by accurately gathering measured data and noting trouble symptoms; and, then correctly interpreting this data.
  7. Make successful repairs of usual faults in common electrical circuits and systems.
Law Enforcement
  1. Explain the structure of the criminal justice system in terms of its major components
  2. Describe the nature of the rule law, and describe its purpose in democratic societies
  3. Explain the basic purposes of policing in democratic societies.
  4. Describe the nature of due process and specific constitutional amendments on which due process guarantees are based.
  5. Identify and explain the roles of the various professional members in the criminal justice system.
  6. Describe the goals of contemporary criminal sentencing.
  7. Explain the similarities and differences between the juvenile and adult systems of justice.
  8. List the various categories of theoretical approaches used to explain crime.
Machine Tool Technology
  1. Demonstrate safe work habits when operating machine tool equipment in the lab.
  2. Expla​in the most commonly used machine tool equipment and most economical methods for a given task.
  3. Show the proper usage of machine tool equipment used in industry today.
  4. Show proper use and operation of machine tool equipment.
  5. Use accuracy when measuring and manufacturing parts.
  6. Interpret manufacturing blueprints and designs.​
Manufacturing Technology
  1. Demonstrate soft skills performances attendance, coursework completion, classroom communication.
  2. Apply safe manufacturing workplace practices and take corrective actions.
  3. Demonstrate basic measurement in manufacturing through geometric dimensioning and tolerance.
  4. Apply lean and quality practices in the manufacturing industry
  5. Describe the purpose of preventive and predictive maintenance in the manufacturing industry.
  6. Explain the various manufacturing processes in the manufacturing industry.
  7. Describe the key elements of production workflow, production planning, and production control in the manufacturing industry.
  8. Describe the roles of management and productions workers in the manufacturing industry.
  9. Identify global supply chain logistics life cycle in the logistics environment
  10. Explain product receiving, product storage, order processing, packaging and shipment, and Inventory control methodologies in the logistics industry.
Office Professional
  1. Evaluate communication for clarity and professionalism in both written and oral formats.
  2. Determine and exhibit professional values and professional behaviors in the work environment.
  3. Assess technology and technical skills to manage information and solve problems.
  4. Compare and contrast interpersonal skills and attitudes for working in an office environment
  5. Apply proofreading techniques to identify and correct errors
  6. Exercise appropriate customer service skills in all situations.
Paralegal/Legal Assistant
  1. Students will describe and define the role of the paralegal in the legal profession through mastering legal terminology, reviewing basic legal research and writing techniques, and developing professional ethics.
  2. Students will perform legal research in the library and online while stressing the fundamentals of legal analysis and writing, citation checking, and verification of authority.
  3. Students will perform routine tasks involved in managing a law office, including managing case files, following ethics rules, and billing for work performed.
  4. Students will research, analyze, and apply both federal and state codes, both civil and criminal, to a variety of fact patterns and will further be able to apply and analyze rules of evidence as they apply to those fact patterns.
  5. Students will develop and apply their research and analytical skills to technology that is specific to a law office.
  6. Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of real property issues under direct attorney supervision, including document drafting and production.
  7. Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of corporate law issues under direct attorney supervision, including drafting and producing documents necessary to establish and maintain business organizations.
  8. Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of estate planning and probate issues under direct attorney supervision, including document drafting and production necessary to plan for and process probate proceedings.
  9. Students will develop the skills necessary to work on a variety of family law issues under direct attorney supervision, including drafting appropriate documentation, managing case files, and conducting case-specific research.
  10. Students will apply necessary paralegal skills from all previous courses into a) a real-life setting in a law firm or other legal organization or b) a comprehensive analysis of a problem or legal research issue.
Supply Chain Mgmt./Global Supply Chain
  1. Define the functional components within logistics to the interrelationships in the integrated supply chain.
  2. Explain business functional areas such as transportation, warehousing, distribution and logistics.
  3. Determine the challenges of doing business internationally.
  4. Identify the challenges of domestic and global logistics management.
  5. Describe forecasting and inventory management theories and methodologies.
Tower Construction and Maintenance
  1. Demonstrate the common knots used in safe tower climbing practices.
  2. Demonstrate proper and safe climbing techniques per course requirements and safety regulations.
  3. Define and describe Full Restraint Systems.
  4. Define and describe Full Arrest Systems.
  5. Tie and define the uses of the thirteen common knots and hitches.
Welding
  1. Demonstrate safe work habits in the operation of welding, cutting and fabrication.
  2. Formulate welding symbols and effectively demonstrate their use.
  3. Explain metallurgy concepts and identify metals and weld methods used in industry.
  4. Evaluate proper methods required for strong welds and accurate cuts.
  5. Identify the appropriate equipment required in a fabrication setting.
  6. Explain the proper setup and use of gases for the various types of welds.
  7. Identify the proper procedure for preparing, welding & destructively testing a completed weld coupon per the AWS code.​

Health Careers Programs Outcomes

Coding Specialist Certificate
  1. Create and maintain patient medical records.
  2. Schedule and register patients accurately, following established policies.
  3. Assign CPT, ICD-10 and HCPCS codes to patient encounters, applying and mastering all applicable coding guidelines.
  4. Apply the concepts of medical necessity for test and services ordered.
  5. Create and submit accurate and complete insurance claim forms for processing and reimbursement.
  6. Verify charges and post payments.
  7. Examine the revenue cycle by identifying each step in the process and the responsibilities of the coder and biller.
  8. Assign codes for multiple types of services interpreting medical documentation while applying coding guidelines and regulatory principles obtained from coding manuals and/or online resources
Emergency Medical Technician- Paramedic Certificate
  1. Manage responsibility and accountability for pre-hospital care while practicing within the legal, ethical and regulatory scopes of EMS practice.
  2. Manage major classification of medications according to mechanism of action, clinical condition used to treat, therapeutic effect, side effect, indications, contraindications, dosages and administration routes.
  3. Create effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication with clients and health care team members.
  4. Implement critical thinking skills in pre-hospital emergencies using evidenced based practice for decision-making.
  5. Formulate the most appropriate treatment plan based on the patient assessment.
  6. Implement the most appropriate intervention based on EKG interpretation.
  7. Integrate a triage system based on assessment in a mass casualty incident.
Medical Laboratory Technology Associate’s Degree
  1. Collect and process biological specimens for clinical laboratory testing, understanding all aspects of specimen integrity.
  2. Perform routine clinical laboratory tests and analyze results.
  3. Recognize factors that affect procedures and results and take appropriate action within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated.
  4. Prepare reports, keep accurate records, and communicate results both manually and by utilizing computers.
  5. Relate laboratory findings to common disease processes.
  6. Perform and monitor quality control within predetermined limits, resolving any problems that occur.
  7. Perform preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or refer to appropriate sources for repairs.
  8. Comply with safety and governmental regulations.
  9. Possess knowledge and skills in the principles and practices of professional conduct.
  10. Have communication skills sufficient to serve the needs of patients, the public, and members of the health care team.
  11. Understand importance of continuing professional development.
Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
  1. Use common medical terminology.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of infection control and safety practices.
  3. Follow standard operating procedures to collect specimens.
  4. Prepare blood and body fluid specimens for analysis according to standard operating procedures.
  5. Prepare/reconstitute reagents, standards and controls according to standard operating    procedures.
  6. Perform appropriate tests at the medical laboratory assistant level, according to standard operating procedures.
  7. Follow established quality control protocols.
  8. Communicate (verbally and non-verbally) effectively and appropriately in the work place.
  9. Identify and report potential pre-analytical errors that may occur during specimen collection, labeling, transporting and processing.
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate
  1. Utilize functional knowledge of the communication process in developing effective interpersonal relationships.
  2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the organization of health care facilities including the roles of the registered nurse, practical nurse, and nursing assistant.
  3. Demonstrate competency in performing basic nursing assistant skills (according to IDPH standards) for individuals requiring health care, while maintaining patient rights, safety, and infection control.
  4. Communicate significant patient observations by recording and reporting to appropriate members of the health care team.
  5. Demonstrate a sense of caring and sensitivity to the needs, problems, and situation of the individuals with whom he or she has contact.
  6. Apply HIPAA standards in order to protect the privacy of the individual’s health information.
  7. Demonstrate respect for the individuals’ culture, gender, race, class, ethics, and experiences.
  8. Exhibit characteristics of dependability, honesty, and teamwork.
  9. Demonstrate the ability to initiate basic CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.
  10. Demonstrate a basic understanding of human anatomy and common health problems, including Alzheimer’s and related disorders.
Phlebotomy Certificate
  1. Describe the duties and responsibilities of the phlebotomist in the health care setting.
  2. Demonstrate basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of body systems and medical terminology as it relates to the major areas of the clinical laboratory.
  3. Identify the equipment and supplies utilized in blood and non-blood specimen collection and describe the methods of processing and handling.
  4. Apply proper technique in collection of blood by venipuncture, capillary and arterial procedures.
  5. Perform a minimum of 100 successful unaided blood collections - to include venipunctures and skin punctures.
  6. Participate in 100 hours of clinical in a full-service or outpatient laboratory.
  7. Perform other duties required of a phlebotomist, i.e., filing, data entry, and accession of patient’s history using a computer.
  8. Apply theoretical concepts to appropriate clinical practices.
  9. Demonstrate professionalism and proper communication skills.
Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree
  1. Demonstrate academic excellence in physical therapy education.
  2. Graduate competent entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants who function effectively under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist.
  3. Provide exceptional services to our academic, professional and community partners.
Practical Nursing Certificate
  1. Utilize the nursing process to deliver safe and effective care to clients throughout the life span.
  2. Relate evidenced-based research findings to nursing care and clinical decision making.
  3. Organize a caring, person-centered environment where client choices related to cultural values, beliefs, and lifestyle are respected.
  4. Demonstrate effective utilization of resources to meet client needs.
Radiography Associate’s Degree

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  1. Image Production and Evaluation - Produce quality diagnostic images for interpretation.
  2. Professional Behavior - Uphold professional behavior while adhering to the radiographer’s practice standards.
  3. Safety - Comply with the principles of radiation protection standards to ensure a safe environment for patient, self, all health professionals, and the public.
  4. Clinical Decision Making - Organize patient radiographic examinations utilizing critical thinking skills to achieve optimal diagnostic images.
  5. Communication - Implement effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills with patients, the public, and members of the health care team.
  6. Managing Care - Integrate concepts and theories to provide patient centered care and assessment in the performance of radiologic procedures.
  7. Collaboration - Collaborate in a dynamic healthcare environment to promote standards of excellence in medical imaging. _
Registered Nursing Associate’s Degree
  1. Manage responsibility and accountability for nursing care while practicing within the legal, ethical and regulatory scopes of nursing practice.
  2. Create effective verbal, nonverbal, and written communication with clients and health care team members.
  3. Utilize the nursing process in the promotion of health for safe and effective client care.
  4. Organize client care integrating the nursing process and evidence-based practice for clinical decision making.
  5. Manage a nursing environment that supports a caring person-centered environment, where client choices related to cultural values, beliefs, and lifestyle are respected.
  6. Formulate health education to promote and facilitate informed decision making and achieve positive client outcomes.
  7. Collaborate with clients and health care team members in the responsibilities of shared planning, decision making, problem solving and goal setting to provide quality care.
  8. Utilize effective resources to meet client needs.
Respiratory Therapist Associate’s Degree
  1. Demonstrate the ability to perform all cardiopulmonary therapeutic procedures safely within the scope of his/her education.
  2. Accurately interprets clinical information from medical records and physical findings.
  3. Communicates effectively in the healthcare setting.
  4. Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior in the clinical setting.
  5. Applies the knowledge gained in the program to be successful on the NBRC Multiple Choice Therapist Exam upon program completion.

Assessment Plans

Assement Plans

College plans for gathering evidence of student learning might include institution-wide or program-specific approaches that convey how student learning will be assessed, the data collection tools and approaches that will be used, and the timeline for implementation.

General Education plan

The following general education outcomes will be assessed during the listed semesters:

  • Written Communication - Spring 2018
  • Ethical Reasoning - Fall 2018
  • Reading Comprehension - Spring 2019
  • Quantitative Reasoning - Fall 2019
  • Inquiry and Analysis - Spring 2020
  • Verbal Communication - Fall 2020

The rotation will then begin again which puts every outcome on a 4-year rotation.

  • Only recognized general education courses that list the outcome as a general education learning objective will be assessed.
  • The list of courses are in the academic catalog.
  • All courses and sections will conduct the general education assessment.
  • Instructors will submit artifacts to the manager of curriculum and assessment.
  • The Institutional Research Office will generate a random sample of students.
  • A team of six faculty will meet in the summer to norm train, assess artifacts, and make recommendations based on the results.
  • Results and recommendations will be communicated to faculty and students.
  • Gen ed outcomes that were affected by changes need to be re-assessed the next semester after implementation of recommendations for re-analysis.
  • The outcome will be re-assessed in four years.

Course Assessment

  • Faculty are provided time during the faculty in-service at the beginning of the semester to select one course objective to focus on, and create and submit a course assessment plan around that objective.
  • Final reports accompanied by two artifacts of student work per faculty member are submitted during finals week.
  • Reflections and artifacts are available for KCC faculty to view through the Assessment Resources page of the KCC employee portal.

Program assessment plans are in progress.

Assessment Resources

Assessment is the process of gathering and interpreting information about student learning. It is evidence that provides an outward sign of “proof.” It may be one of many variables contributing toward success. The real question is not whether we are doing a good job teaching but are we systematically reviewing, documenting and assessing the relevant evidence? It gives us the power to toot our own horns over the success of our courses or programs. It provides an ongoing process to continually improve teaching and learning effectiveness.

Why do assessment? What’s in it for me?

Course and program improvement - Assessment provides feedback to determine how courses and programs can be improved to enhance student learning.

Self evaluation of instruction - Assessment can be used by faculty to help them self-evaluate and improve their teaching.

Course design and revision - Assessment can help in the design of new courses with respect to rationalizing the need for that new course and how it should be positioned in the in the curriculum. Additionally, learning outcomes can be used by the faculty in the classes that they teach to assist them in developing assignments that include the intended abilities, knowledge, values and attitudes of that course or program.

Curricular assessment and change - Assessment can help departments think about their curriculum. A department can determine in which of the offered courses each learning outcome is addressed to determine if redundancy or overlap occur and where gaps exist.

(Adapted from Gronlund, 2000 and Roth, Beyer, and Gillmore, 2002)

Levels

Classroom assessment

Classroom assessment is completed by individual faculty within the context of individual classes. Formal and informal measures of learning are collected and assessed and instruction is modified as necessary to improve. This type of assessment is not documented or monitored by the college; it is completed by individual faculty within the context of individual classes. Formal and informal measures of learning are collected and assessed and instruction is modified as necessary to improve. This type of assessment is not documented or monitored by the college.

Course-level assessment

Course-level assessment measures student learning upon the completion of a particular course. Each department is expected to conduct course-level assessments. It is important to emphasize that course-level assessment is not measured at the section level. It is a reflection of what students have learned in the course regardless of who is teaching it. Faculty are encouraged to work together within their departments to review and select course outcomes to measure. Completed course assessment plans for Spring 2018 should be submitted to assessment@kcc.edu.

Program-level assessment

Program-level assessment measures student learning upon the completion of a particular degree or certificate. The program assessment process is designed to align course-level outcomes and curriculum requirements to the degree or certificate. Program outcomes are defined by the faculty and are written to reflect the accumulation of skill and knowledge a student will gain through the curriculum. Often program level learning outcomes are informed by a licensure or certification exam and/or other industry and employer standards. Programs will be assessed in collaboration with the existing program review cycle that occurs every five years.

General education assessment

The general education program at KCC is designed to enable students to acquire communication and reasoning skills at a level reflecting college-level learning. Students who complete the general education program will be able to examine complex topics and apply systematic processes to form conclusions.

The Handbook

The KCC Assessment Handbook provides you with information to successfully develop and complete classroom, course and program assessments. You’ll find examples of assessment techniques, report forms and answers to often-asked questions. Here is an outline of the contents:

What is assessment and why should I assess?

The Introduction explains the purpose of assessment and includes levels of assessment used at Kankakee Community College.

How do I define and develop student learning outcomes?

Chapter 1 provides you with an overview for writing measureable course and program student learning outcomes. It stresses the importance of defining expectations and standards and includes how to make revisions to existing outcomes in order to assure each statement is clear.

What is a CAT - classroom assessment technique?

Chapter 2 is a short explanation and examples of CATs. Faculty use CATS for immediate feedback on how students learned at the end of particular module or unit.

How do I plan for course assessment?

Chapter 3 provides ten steps to tailor an assessment plan to match the learning outcomes of your course.

How do I plan for program assessment?

Chapter 4 is for individuals needing assistance in developing plans for program assessment from beginning to end.

What is an appropriate method of assessment?

Chapter 5 includes guidelines for selecting appropriate methods of assessment that can help identify strategies and methods to collect assessment data.

How do I use results to improve courses and programs?

Chapter 6 describes how to apply results and close the loop of assessment.

Appendices
  1. Assessment forms for planning assessment and report forms for course, program, and general education assessment
  2. Examples of verbs and learning outcome statements following Bloom’s Taxonomy
  3. Example questions using Blooms taxonomy
  4. CATs Toolkit
  5. Examples of Rubrics or Primary Trait Scales

Current Activities

Current Assessment Activities

Current assessment activities include information on a full range of projects and activities recently completed or currently underway to gauge student learning, make improvements or respond to accountability interests.

  1. Changes are being implemented according to the results of general education assessments gathered in the last year. This can be found in the Use of Evidence tab.
  2. KCC gathered general education data in written communication in spring 2018. A team of faculty assessed the student work, analyzed the results, and are drafting recommendations. This information will be presented at the 2018 fall faculty in-service, as well as published on this site.
  3. KCC will gather data from all general education courses that list ethical reasoning as a general education objective in Fall 2018.
  4. Course assessments will be ongoing on an instructor-by-instructor basis.
  5. Program assessments are continuing to be done in CTE programs per their certification process.
  6. KCC is entering into the third year of the Higher Learning Commission​ Assessment Academy in fall of 2018. More information will be made available as this progresses.​

Evidence of Student Learning

Evidence of Student Learning

Evidence of student learning includes results of assessment activities. This may include evidence of indirect (e.g. surveys) and direct (e.g. assessment) student learning as well as institutional performance indicators (e.g. licensure pass rate).​

Results of Gen Ed Assessment Plan​​​:

Use of Evidence

Use of Evidence

  • ​As per the Quantitative Reasoning General Education Report made in Fall 2015, PSCI 1514 (Intro to Physical Science) will no longer have a quantitative reasoning general education objective and therefore will no longer be assessed. This decision was based on data and the fact that the course does not have a math prerequisite.
  • As per the Inquiry & Analysis General Education Report made in Spring 2016, instructors will develop ways to “keep a closer eye” on male students as they prepare and organize for research projects.

​The reports for each of these can be found in the Evidence of Student Learning tab​.


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Accreditation at KCC

KCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

KCC participates in the Open Pathway option for accreditation, which follows a 10-year cycle of activities. The college will participate in a Quality Initiative Project between 2021-2024 and will have its next Comprehensive Evaluation for Reaffirmation in 2024-2025.

Programmatic Accreditation

KCC also seeks external accreditation for many of our academic programs.

Program Accrediting Body Initial Accreditation Most Recent Accreditation Next Reaccreditation
Paramedic (Riverside) Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 3/20/2015 1/16/2020 3/31/2025
Registered Nursing Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3/30/2015 10/20/2020 10/1/2028
Practical Nursing Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing (ACEN) 4/1/2019 10/20/2020 10/1/2028
Respiratory Therapist Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) 9/19/2008 3/1/2018 3/31/2028
Physical Therapist Assistant Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 4/19/2011 5/4/2016 6/30/2026
Medical Laboratory Technology National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) 9/21/2012 9/27/2019 10/31/2029
Phlebotomy National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) 9/21/2012 9/27/2019 10/31/2024

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Individuals or other organizations and institutions who want to conduct research involving human subjects at KCC must have their work reviewed by the Institutional Review Board. KCC’s Office of Institutional Research oversees the work of the Institutional Review Board.

IRB Submission Guide

If you have any questions, please contact Lesley Cooper, Director of Institutional Effectiveness & Assessment, lcooper@kcc.edu.

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Institutional Research

IR Services

In support of KCC’s mission “Enhancing quality of life through learning,” the Office of Institutional Research collects, analyzes, interprets and reports data to lead institutional effectiveness. Institutional Research services and data are listed above. They:

  • Facilitate data-informed decisions by the academic division, student support services, operations, and leadership
  • Support strategic planning
  • Lead college-wide accreditation

The KCC Office of Institutional Research is a member of both the national and state Associations for Institutional Research and upholds its Code of Ethics.​​

KCC Data Book

Fact Sheets

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FY20-FY22 Strategic Plan

Background:

The core values represent shared beliefs about the qualities that reflect KCC’s essential characteristics. In fall 2008, KCC faculty and staff voted on the core values that best represent the college and describe how they expect themselves and others to behave, set standards, and drive the organization’s priorities.

The college vision and mission were established over 20 years ago, and have been affirmed by the Board of Trustees annually.

In developing KCC’s strategic plan, the college focused on 5 strategic priorities: Institutional Culture and Diversity, Excellence and Innovation, Access and Value, Partnerships and Collaboration, and Success. Goals were created from these strategic priorities.

The goals and actions plans for the FY2020- FY2022 strategic plan were developed from:

  1. Focus groups and surveys (with community leaders and current students),
  2. Labor Market Analysis and the Data Book (college-wide data),
  3. #IdeaFest2018 (employee input), and
  4. Strategy Mapping results (college leadership input).

VISION: The ideal for KCC

KCC is a flexible organization where teamwork is the expectation and student/client success the driving force. Our shared vision is to be a leader in creatively and rapidly responding to our community’s educational needs, emphasizing quality, affordability, and effective partnerships.

MISSION: The “what and why” of KCC

Enhancing quality of life through learning.

VALUES: The attributes we nurture and maximize to benefit each individual and the college Respect, Excellence, Learning, Integrity, Collaboration

GOALS: Strategies to achieve the mission

ACTION PLANS: Activities to achieve a goal

KPIs (Key Performance Indicators): Metrics that show whether current performance is on track to achieve goals

Goal 1 Goal 2 Goal 3 Goal 4 Goal 5 Improve student success throughincreased enrollment, retention,transfer, and completion rates. Create diverse, inclusive, andequitableteaching, learning,and workenvironments Improve physical andvirtual teaching andlearning spaces. Increase visibility and value in the community. Providedevelopmentopportunitiesto enhanceKCC employeeskills andknowledge.

GOAL 1

Improve student success through increased enrollment, retention, transfer, and completion rates.

Rationale: To achieve the mission of KCC, we will optimize the methods by which we reach potential and current students. Developing a comprehensive system to improve recruitment, retention, and completion rates is critical to improving student success.

Strategic Priorities: Access and Value, Excellence and Innovation, Success

KPIs:

  1. Credit Division Enrollment
  2. Retention Rates
  3. Degree/Certificate Completion
  4. Transfer Rates
  5. Withdrawal Rates

GOAL 2

Create diverse, inclusive, and equitable teaching, learning, and work environments.

Rationale: KCC’s commitment to its core values fosters diverse and inclusive environments. KCC seeks to achieve equity in success outcomes for all its students and employees.

Strategic Priorities: Institutional Culture and Diversity, Success

KPIs:

  1. Credit Division Enrollment
  2. Retention Rates
  3. Degree/Certificate Completion
  4. Transfer Rates
  5. Nationally-Normed Survey Results
  6. Recruitment and retention of underrepresented employees

GOAL 3

Improve physical and virtual teaching and learning spaces.

Rationale: To increase student engagement in the classroom and beyond, we will accommodate various learning and teaching styles. Transformed learning spaces and integrated technology enable student engagement with instructional materials, peers, and faculty.

Strategic Priorities: Excellence and Innovation, Success

KPIs:

  1. Nationally-Normed Survey Results
  2. Structured Faculty Feedback
  3. Student Evaluation of Instruction

GOAL 4

Increase visibility and value in the community.

Rationale: As an open-access community college, KCC furthers the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) mission of educating students and preparing a skilled workforce. To realize this mission, KCC will optimize the value we add to the K-12 school system and to the local economy. Expanding partnerships with businesses and schools in the district will strengthen career and transfer pathways for the students we serve.

Strategic Priorities: Partnerships and Collaboration

KPIs:

  1. Non-Credit Enrollment: Continuing Education and Career Services and Adult Education
  2. High School Market Share
  3. Dual Credit Enrollment
  4. College Readiness Indicators
  5. Employer Engagement (Career & Technical Education Advisory and Employer Surveys)
  6. Apprenticeships/Internships/Work-Based Learning
  7. Graduate Success

GOAL 5

Provide development opportunities to enhance KCC employee skills and knowledge.

Rationale: To optimize the mission of KCC, the professional development of employees is critical. This goal is the culmination of a 2018 AQIP Action Project and a college-wide initiative focused on improving the employee culture and customer service (“Cavaliers Care” and the “Bucket Initiative”). Further, a skilled employee base engages KCC in its core beliefs of excellence and learning.

Strategic Priorities: Institutional Culture and Diversity, Excellence and Innovation

KPIs:

  1. Nationally-Normed Survey Results
  2. Engagement in Professional Development

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Grant Services

The Grants Development Office consults with faculty and staff who wish to pursue external funding for projects that align with the college’s strategic goals. The office also:

  • Leads the Grants Committee in review of proposals by faculty and staff. The committee determines if grants should be pursued with college resources.
  • Fosters an environment of transparency by maintaining a database of grants and funding sources.

Getting Help with Grant Development

To pursue a grant, first complete a Grant Feasibility Form for review by the Grants Committee. After given approval to proceed, the Grants Development Office will:

  • Provide consultation and guidance on the project plan to the program director, who will be the writer of the grant proposal and director of the proposed grant-funded program. Guidance will be given on the full grant proposal process, including aligning objectives with strategic goals and programmatic needs, outlining the writing process, and formulating the evaluation plan.
  • Furnish a standard college profile for the proposal, and assemble and analyze research data including national, state, local and college demographics and statistics.

Creating a Grant Proposal

After strategizing the Grant Development Process with the grants development director, the program director of the grant may move forward in writing and finalizing the grant proposal. This includes:

  • Analyzing the purpose of the proposal, outlining programmatic needs and finalizing the writing process.
  • Writing, formatting, and editing the proposal.
  • Garnering support from various stakeholders including institutional departments, local government agencies, and school districts who become important partners.
  • Submitting the proposal.
  • Coordinating the implementation of the grant if awarded, and leading the program through the grant award period.

Grant feasibility form

The Grant Feasibility Form must be completed for all grants over $5,000 (excluding TRIO) so KCC resources may be allocated for projects aligned with our strategic goals.

Send the completed form to Lesley Cooper, Director of Institutional Effectiveness & Assessment Development, at lcooper@kcc.edu at least 60 days before your grant submission deadline.

After review by the Grants Committee, you will be notified of KCC’s decision on whether to move forward with the proposed grant no later than 45 days before the grant deadline.

Contact Lesley Cooper in advance with any exceptions requested of this timeline.

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Glossary of Institutional Effectiveness Terms

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If you have any questions, please contact Lesley Cooper, Director of Institutional Effectiveness & Assessment, lcooper@kcc.edu.

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