Academic Program Review

ACADEMIC YEAR	2014-2015	Basic Skills Transfer Career Technical Education (CTE)
PROGRAM	Fire Technology & Firefighter 1
DESCRIPTION/PURPOSE	The Fire Technology program prepares students to meet the high standards required to pursue a career in the fire service as a firefighter, or a member of related fire protection services. Those standards are developed and determined by the State Board of Fire Services. The methods of instruction and standards are validated by the International Fire Service Training Association. Classes are designed to provide the student with the information needed to meet the fire-related performance objectives required by the National Fire Protection Association Standard NFPA 1001.
DIVISION	Health and Sciences
DEPARTMENT	Nursing and Allied health
SUBMITTED BY:	Alfredo Estrada / Dr. Susan Carreon

INSTITUTIONAL GOAL 1	INSTITUTIONAL GOAL 2	INSTITUTIONAL GOAL 3	INSTITUTIONAL GOAL 4
INSTITUTIONAL MISSION AND EFFECTIVENESS – The College will maintain programs and services that focus on the mission of the College supported by data-driven assessments to measure student learning and student success. 1.1 Develop systems and procedures that establish the mission of the college as the central mechanism for planning and decision making. 1.2 Develop an institutional score card to assess student learning that drives integrated planning and resource allocation. 1.3 Develop systems and procedures to ensure that the college maintains a collegial and self-reflective dialogue that improves effectiveness. 1.4 Develop systems that are inclusive, cyclical, and understood by all stakeholders.	STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES – The College will maintain instructional programs and services which support student success and the attainment of student educational goals. 2.1 Ensure that all instructional programs, regardless of location or means of delivery, address and meet the current and future needs of students. 2.2 Review program learning outcomes annually (or biennially) to assure currency, improve teaching and learning strategies, and raise student success rates. 2.3 Ensure that all Student Services programs, regardless of location or means of delivery, address and meet the current and future needs of students. 2.4 Ensure that all Student Services programs engage in a process of sustainable continuous quality improvement by annual review of Service Area Outcomes, and annual Program Review. 2.5 Ensure that the Library meets as closely as possible that “Standards of Practice for California Community College Library Faculty and Programs” of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. 2.6 Ensure that instructional labs continue to collaborate in sharing financial and human resources, thus maintaining continuous quality improvement.	RESOURCES – The College will develop and manage human, technological, physical, and financial resources to effectively support the College mission and the campus learning environment. 3.1 Develop and implement a resource allocation plan that leads to fiscal stability. 3.2 Implement a robust technological infrastructure and the enterprise software to support the college process. 3.3 Build new facilities and modernize existing ones as prioritized in the facility master plan. 3.4 Design and commit to a long-term professional development plan. 3.5 Raise the health awareness of faculty, staff, and students.	LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE – The Board of Trustees and the Superintendent/President will establish policies that assure the quality, integrity, and effectiveness of student learning programs and services, and the financial stability of the institution. 4.1 Review all Board policies annually to ensure that they are consistent with the College mission statement, that they address the quality, integrity, and effectiveness of student learning programs and services, and that they guard the financial stability of the institution. 4.2 Maintain a clearly defined Code of Ethics that includes appropriate responses to unprofessional behavior. 4.3 Ensure that the Board of Trustees is informed and involved in the accreditation process. 4.4 Ensure that processes for the evaluation of the Board of Trustees and the Superintendent/President are clearly defined, implemented, and publicized. 4.5 Establish a governance structure, processes, and practices that guarantee that the governing board, administration, faculty, staff, and students will be involved in the decision making process.

I. INSTITUTIONAL GOALS

II. PROGRAM GOALS

PAST – EVALUATION OF PREVIOUS CYCLE OBJECTIVES/PROGRAM GOALS (SET IN PREVIOUS YEAR)

List your previous objectives/goals and associated Institutional Goals. All program goals must address at least one of the institutional goals.

1	PAST PROGRAM GOAL #1	INSTITUTIONAL GOAL(S) (Select one primary goal.)
Identify Program Goal and Budget request, if any, from the Program Review completed in 2013-2014 (Section II C): Increase enrollment and diversity in the Fire Academy program	1 Mission & Effectiveness 1.1 1.3 1.2 1.4 2 Student Learning Outcomes 2.1 2.4 2.2 2.5 2.3 2.6 3 Resources 3.1 3.4 3.2 3.5 3.3 4 Leadership & Governance 4.1 4.4 4.2 4.5 4.3
Met	Partially Met	Not Met
Describe how this program goal increased student achievement and/or program effectiveness in 2014-2015: Initiatives and goals are in the process of being written to reflect active female recruitment. The diversity of the program is reflective of the community except that the program has not had female applicants in the recent past.

2	PAST PROGRAM GOAL #2	INSTITUTIONAL GOAL(S) (Select one primary goal.)
Identify Program Goal and Budget request, if any, from the Program Review completed in 2013-2014 (Section II C): Increase response on post-completion employment feedback	1 Mission & Effectiveness 1.1 1.3 1.2 1.4 2 Student Learning Outcomes 2.1 2.4 2.2 2.5 2.3 2.6 3 Resources 3.1 3.4 3.2 3.5 3.3 4 Leadership & Governance 4.1 4.4 4.2 4.5 4.3
Met	Partially Met	Not Met
Describe how this program goal increased student achievement and/or program effectiveness in 2014-2015: A systematic process for analyzing program completers is being developed. At the moment, all data is reviewed and quantified manually for post-completion employment feedback. The local fire departments are cooperative with providing essential data on recruit hires. However, we are looking towards establishing a digital performance metric that will assist in making the analytics more effective.

3	PAST PROGRAM GOAL #3	INSTITUTIONAL GOAL(S) (Select one primary goal.)
Identify Program Goal and Budget request, if any, from the Program Review completed in 2013-2014 (Section II C): Increase community awareness of and faculty to participate in the final plans for the new CTE building.	1 Mission & Effectiveness 1.1 1.3 1.2 1.4 2 Student Learning Outcomes 2.1 2.4 2.2 2.5 2.3 2.6 3 Resources 3.1 3.4 3.2 3.5 3.3 4 Leadership & Governance 4.1 4.4 4.2 4.5 4.3
Met	Partially Met	Not Met
Describe how this program goal increased student achievement and/or program effectiveness in 2014-2015: The dedicated infrastructure for public safety provided stability to the students and programs success. Plans for the move to the new building were effective and have been completed, but equipment and supply purchases are ongoing due to wear and tear of the specialized and personal protective equipment (PPE). Some equipment has a shelf life and cannot be used after the shelf-life has expired. A plan to rent or continually purchase PPE is ongoing. In addition, internal processes and quality assurance building details are being evaluated and strategized for program effectiveness.

PRESENT – DATA ANALYSIS AND PROGRAM HEALTH – ACCREDITATION

Summarize and analyze all disaggregated data by day, evening, gender, ethnicity, and distance education. Narrative only. Submit electronic excel file with graphs or trend data.

Enrollment and Fill Rates

With exceptions in 2011, the student success rates and completion rates have averaged from 88% to 100% and have trended higher in recent years. The classes in the Firefighter 1 program are offered during the day and on Saturdays only. Classes in Fire Technology classes have mostly been scheduled in evenings but enrollments and success have been lower due to working Firefighter schedule conflicts. Offering the Fire Tech and some core classes in an on-line format should help to increase enrollments.

Productivity

What are the trends in productivity?

(WSCH/FTEF) The goal is 525 as per state guidelines. A low number means that we are below target levels for productivity. For example, in a small class that has a mandated cap of 15 students, the fill rate may be 100% but the productivity number (WSCH/FTEF) will be very low. A class with a cap of 40 students with a 100% fill rate will have a productivity number close to or above 525.

The WSCH/FTEF is low due to the class cap of 20 students and additional safety requirements requiring low Faculty/student ratios. Again, when and if enrollments increase in the new on-line classes, the productivity should increase. A full-time faculty member/coordinator would also increase time for recruitment and marketing efforts.

Success and Retention

Discuss the success and retention rates by day, evening (extended day), and online classes in each program and identify gaps.

The students and industry need online platforms to make the program courses more accessible and attainable. The students have only one scheduling option for the Firefighter 1 program so there is no variance by class time. The Fire Tech classes will be more successful if more are offered on-line to improve access for working firefighters.

Success and Retention by Ethnicity

Discuss the success and retention rates by demographic diversity of students.

The current retention rate averages at around 88%. The data does not show significant differences between ethnic groups. , though the program ethnic make-up is representative of the community. There have been no females in the program in recent years and this is a goal for the future.

Degrees and Certificates

Discuss the trends in the number of degrees and/or certificates awarded.

The number of degrees is low and it is not a requirement of this program. The number of certificates is low and this could be due to students not being able to register for EMT105 due to low registration priority or not actively applying for the Certificate. Faculty have been providing more incentive and information to students about the importance of getting the Certificate and we have recently taken steps to schedule the EMT course just prior to the Academy first semester courses.

Program Changes

What program changes, if any, do you expect to have a positive effect on students?

The program needs a full-time faculty/member coordinator. A full-time faculty/member coordinator would ensure student success and compliance with Accreditation Standards. Schedule the EMT course to allow Fire Academy admitted students to enroll successfully. Continue to develop online courses in Fire Technology to improve student access and enrollments in these courses.

This is a full-time program that requires very complex specialized scheduling, equipment, facilities and Accreditation compliance issues-yet it is only staffed by part-time faculty. Summarize revisions, additions, deletions, or alternate delivery methods to courses and/or program based on the last program review.

Summarize revisions, additions, deletions, and alternate delivery methods to courses and/or program based on the last program review.

The faculty have made it their goal to continue working to develop many of the Fire Technology courses in an on-line format. Completing this goal will improve industry access to classes, and should dramatically increase enrollments in these courses. The firefighter program has secured OSFM accreditation required equipment and has a budget plan to ensure continued compliance. The Fire Sciences programs continue to lack a stable plan for program coordination and leadership.

Evaluate the program’s viability by addressing program completion, size (FTES), projections (growing/stable/declining), and quality of outcomes. The program is small but healthy and meets a definite community need for firefighters and for working firefighter career growth. It enjoys good support from local Fire Chiefs. The Firefighter program at Imperial Valley College meets a documented labor market demand. Employment trends for this field are derived from a variety of sources. These are listed below:

Employment Trends (Employment Development Department):

Occupation	TOP Code	SOC Code	2008	Average Job Openings per Year
Fire Fighters	2133.00	332011	150	7*

Same data as 2012. No updates from State Employment Development

Occupational Employment Projections 2008-2018

Imperial County

http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/CommColleges/

Employment Trends (Faculty Assessment):

During the past eight (8) years a minimum of 62 graduates, of the IVC Fire Academy, have been employed in a local fire department. The labor market data does not appear indicative of the employment numbers tracked by the Academy Coordinator, due to the geographic location of the County, which is in an area one-hundred and twenty miles (in all directions) from any major City and or other fire programs.

C. FUTURE – LIST OF “SMART” (SPECIFIC MEASURABLE ATTAINABLE RELEVANT TIME-LIMITED) PROGRAM OBJECTIVES FOR NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR TO ADDRESS PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT, GROWTH, OR UNMET NEEDS/GOALS. ALL PROGRAM GOALS MUST ADDRESS AT LEAST ONE OF THE INSTITUTIONAL GOALS.

FUTURE PROGRAM GOALS (Describe future program goals. List in order of budget priority.) You are not required to list 3 goals. Only list/identify goals that are viable in one year’s time or can be carried over a number of program cycles.	INSTITUTIONAL GOAL(S) (Select one primary institutional goal)
1	2015-2016 PROGRAM GOAL #1 Budget Priority #1	INSTITUTIONAL GOAL(S)
Identify Future Global Goal: Maintain Fire Academy Accreditation Standards	1 Mission & Effectiveness 1.1 1.3 1.2 1.4 2 Student Learning Outcomes 2.1 2.4 2.2 2.5 2.3 2.6 3 Resources 3.1 3.4 3.2 3.5 3.3 4 Leadership & Governance 4.1 4.4 4.2 4.5 4.3
Objective: Maintain full compliance with all OSFM standards
RESOURCE PLAN (Check all that apply.)
Facilities Marketing Technology Professional Development Staffing
Task(s)
3.1. Institutionalize funding for required equipment/supplies in District general fund budget-
Timeline: December 2014
Expense Type	Funding Type	Budget Request
One-Time Recurring	General District Categorical (Specify)	$__33,000_____________
3.2 Develop and disseminate targeted marketing materials to recruit more women applicants in Firefighter 1 program
Timeline: December 2014
Expense Type	Funding Type	Budget Request
One-Time Recurring	General District Categorical (CTE)	$___4,000_____________
C. Purchase of training props for real world student experience- $ 6,300, (one time) and $200 (estimate recurring-maintenance)
Timeline: December 2014
Expense Type	Funding Type	Budget Request
One-Time Recurring	General District Categorical (Specify)	$_____6,300___________
How will this objective be measured? The objective will be measured by ensuring training resources are adequate to support the various modes and levels of training to be conducted. This will also ensure resources, such as library and computer-assisted learning, meet the needs of the instructor cadre and the objectives of the program. The objective is further measured by affirming a student achieves a percent completion with a grade of B or better. All State Fire Training (SFT) firefighter 1 performance benchmarks must be achieved. Goals to achieve marketing strategies will be provided to indicate the training program's effort to reach ethnic and gender diversity.
How will the completion of tasks identified improve student/program success? Through Institutionalizing funding for required equipment/supplies. The task will enable students to perform manipulative drills that are required to meet State standards. It will also ensure equipment and training aides are sufficient in quantity and quality to meet the needs and the objectives of the program. All personal protective clothing, apparatus, and equipment will be properly maintained and readily accessible to the instructor cadre and student population to enable student/program success. There confirmation of an increase in female applicants and graduates in the program will affirm the task has been successful.
Who are the responsible party(ies) and assigned user(s)? Fire Coordinator & Program Dean
FUTURE PROGRAM GOALS (Describe future program goals. List in order of budget priority.) You are not required to list 3 goals. Only list/identify goals that are viable in one year’s time or can be carried over a number of program cycles.	INSTITUTIONAL GOAL(S) (Select one primary institutional goal)
2	2015-2016 PROGRAM GOAL #2 Budget Priority #1	INSTITUTIONAL GOAL(S)
Identify Future Global Goal: Stabilize leadership of Fire Science programs	1 Mission & Effectiveness 1.1 1.3 1.2 1.4 X 2 Student Learning Outcomes 2.1 2.4 2.2 2.5 2.3 2.6 3 Resources 3.1 3.4 3.2 3.5 3.3 4 Leadership & Governance 4.1 4.4 4.2 4.5 4.3
Objective: 1.1 Institutionalize a full-time position of Faculty/ Coordinator for Fire Sciences (Academy and Technology) 2.1 Institutionalize Faculty Coordinator Stipend for current part-time faculty if no full-time faculty approved/hired
RESOURCE PLAN (Check all that apply.)
Facilities Marketing Technology Professional Development Staffing
Task(s)
A. 2.1. Seek college approval to hire full-time faculty- high priority Est-. $80,000 Screen/hire qualified faculty for position Budget for regular stipend for coordinator@ 4 hours/week for 32 weeks- $7800 (if 2.1 not achieved)
Timeline: June 2015
Expense Type	Funding Type	Budget Request
One-Time Recurring	General District Categorical (Specify)	$___80,000_____________
B.2.2 Increase working firefighter’s access to Fire Technology Courses
Timeline: December 2014
Expense Type	Funding Type	Budget Request
One-Time Recurring	General District Categorical (Specify)	$_____7,500___________
C. 3.1 Increase on-line Fire courses
Timeline: Fall 2014
Expense Type	Funding Type	Budget Request
One-Time Recurring	General District Categorical (Specify)	$_____5,000___________
How will this objective be measured? The objective will be measured by the successful implementation of a full-time position for the program.
How will the completion of tasks identified improve student/program success? The full-time faculty will ensure the integrity and continuity of the program. He/she will enable the program to comply with the most current California Community College Chancellor's Office Standard Fire Technology Degree Core Curriculum. In addition, ensure all courses of instruction, based on the degree-generated process, are taught in compliance with the most current California Community College Chancellor's Office Standard Fire Technology Degree Core Curriculum.
Who are the responsible party(ies) and assigned user(s)? Fire Coordinator and Program Dean
FUTURE PROGRAM GOALS (Describe future program goals. List in order of budget priority.) You are not required to list 3 goals. Only list/identify goals that are viable in one year’s time or can be carried over a number of program cycles.	INSTITUTIONAL GOAL(S) (Select one primary institutional goal)
3	2015-2016 PROGRAM GOAL #3 Budget Priority #1	INSTITUTIONAL GOAL(S)
1 Mission & Effectiveness 1.1 1.3 1.2 1.4 XX 2 Student Learning Outcomes 2.1 2.4 2.2 2.5 2.3 2.6 3 Resources 3.1 3.4 3.2 3.5 3.3 4 Leadership & Governance 4.1 4.4 4.2 4.5 4.3
Identify Future Global Goal: Provide meaningful, currently relevant, and engaging instruction to students to encourage and facilitate course completion.
Objective: Increase Certificate and Degree completion from students
Task(s)
Develop action plan to ensure students attain Program Certificate.
Timeline: June 2015
Expense Type	Funding Type	Budget Request
One-Time Recurring	General District Categorical (Specify)	$______None__________
B. Ensure students see counselor and complete application to attain Program Certificate.
Timeline: June 2015
Expense Type	Funding Type	Budget Request
One-Time Recurring	General District Categorical (Specify)	$_______None_________
Develop an action plan and follow-up support network to attain fire technology degree
Timeline: June 2015
Expense Type	Funding Type	Budget Request
One-Time Recurring	General District Categorical (Specify)	$_______None_________
How will this objective be measured? Ensuring an increase in Certificate and Degree applicants.
How will the completion of tasks identified improve student/program success? It will create better opportunities for employment in fire industry.
Who are the responsible party(ies) and assigned user(s)? Fire Coordinator and Program Dean

(WSCH/FTEF) The goal is 525 as per state guidelines. A low number means that we are below target levels for productivity. For example, in a small class that has a mandated cap of 15 students, the fill rate may be 100% but the productivity number (WSCH/FTEF) will be very low. A class with a cap of 40 students with a 100% fill rate will have a productivity number close to or above 525.