Minutes of the Academic Achievement Assessment Committee
for October 23, 2001

Here, a mere two weeks after we met, is a draft of the minutes from our Oct. 23rd meeting.

The Academic Achievement Assessment Committee met on Tuesday, Oct. 23rd at 9:30 in MOLN 236. Present were Mary Lenard, Larry Duetsch, Jane Pinnow, Pat Goldsmith, Bill Blanchard, and Karen Crooker. Walt Graffin was excused due to teaching committments.

The chair introducted the new members -- Karen Crooker and Bill Blanchard, and explained the charge of the AAAC.

The committee briefly discussed the 2000-2001 report. Larry had previously provided some comments which will be incorporated. Pat also suggested some minor editorial change.

Sue handed out copies of a draft of an assessment policy. The committee plans to officially approve a policy by early next semester.

Larry noted that, since the AAAC emphasized assessment within the majors last year, General Education assessment should be emphasized this year. Bill mentioned a tool available through ETS technologies for assessment of writing. The committee discussed the pros and cons of using artificial writing samples to assess writing skills. Mary noted that a team of faculty in the English Department are in the process of developing a method to use English 100/101 to collect assessment data on writing skills. The department's concern, historically, has been the lack of consistency from one section of freshman composition to another.

Larry provided some detailed handouts on the performance of students who take the Academic Skills courses in Mathematics and English.

The meeting adjourned at 10:45.