CEA Curriculum and Student Achievement Committees:

Carolyn Prager, Dean of Academic Affairs/Self-Study Coordinator

Nori Panganiban, IEL English Chair

Bouchra Zouhairi, IEL Computer Chair

Freddie Ann Bush, IEL and Career Program Business Chair

Melvin Marcus, ESL Faculty Member

Svetlana Shcheglova, ESL Faculty Member and Faculty-Student Services Associate

Tetiana Bobrysheva, ESL Faculty Member

Christian Gallardo, Computer Faculty Member,

Zoryana Matiychyk, ESL Faculty Member and Faculty-Student Services Associate

cc: Steering Committee: Dante V. Ferraro, Paul Schiffman, Tom Schwenke, Carolyn Prager

Meeting Date and Time: October 20, 2011, 3-5 pm

Present: Nori Panganiban, Carolyn Prager, Thomas Schwenke (guest), Bouchra Zouhairi, Freddie Ann Bush, Svetlana Shcheglova

Minutes:

General Discussion: This joint meeting was held because the work of the Curriculum and Student Achievement Committees align to a great degree.

CELSA Placement Exam: Committee members reviewed the exam and discussed implementation and followup with individual students who might wish to change course placement.

Bi-Monthly Exams: The Committee discussed how the new Test Duplication Request forms and process were used by faculty for ESL and non-ESL bi-monthly tests in October.

Test Bank Creation: Committee members discussed how best to help create models for faculty in developing appropriate bi-monthly exams in ESL and non-ESL courses that measure language learning outcomes consistent with course objectives. They reviewed a draft model (attached) based on ESL 4, Unit 1’s objectives designed to test grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing in integrated ways. The Committee concluded that many draft model elements could be incorporated in a general model. However, they concluded that the draft test included too much emphasis on independent writing for a one-period test. They recommended that other faculty also be asked to volunteer test questions.

Course Length of Study, Course Exiting, and Course Repeat Policy: The school’s course exit and course repeat policy should be written into each course syllabus so that students understand that they need to complete a full course cycle (e.g., 120 hours in each ESL course) once placed in an ESL course before moving to a higher level (based on an exit exam).

Improving Integrated Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking in ESL Courses: Committee members discussed a recommendation that would revise ESL 2-6 courses based on both NorthStar textbook strands (R/W and L/S).