2004-2005 Institutional Effectiveness Plan

Unit: Human Sciences

Unit head: Dellmar Walker

Reports to: College of Education and Behavioral Science

Mission statement: The mission of the Human Sciences Department is to provide educational programs that prepare graduates for careers in a dynamic and diverse world community. Approximately 750 students are majoring in the following programs offered by the Department: (1) Early Childhood Education; (2) Family and Consumer Studies with concentrations in Child Development and Family Studies; Consumer Services and Family and Consumer Sciences Education; (3) Interior Design; (4) Nutrition and Food Science with concentrations in Dietetics and Food Technology; and (5) Textiles, Merchandising and Design with concentrations in apparel Design and Fashion Merchandising.

Human Sciences programs are integrative and focus on reciprocal relations among individuals, families, and their near environments toward improvement of the quality of life across the lifespan. Furthermore, the mission of the department is to provide public service and to utilize or conduct research and/or creative endeavor related to the programs. The departmental mission supports the mission of the college of Education and Behavioral Sciences and University of assisting student to become educated men and women who are reflective decision-makers.

Learning Outcomes

1. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to obtain an entry level position in the interior design or design related fields. (Interior Design (B.S.))
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 8
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• A minimum of 50% graduating seniors will obtain jobs in the interior design or design-related fields.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 54% of graduates in the Human Sciences Department are employed in their major field
  
  
• A minimum of 85% of students in IDES 4780 Interior Design Portfolio will achieve a grade of B or higher.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 87.5% of students received a grade of B or higher in IDES 4780 Interior Design Portfolio
  
  

2. Graduating seniors will have a satisfactory knowledge of the scope and responsibilities of the interior design profession. (Interior Design (B.S.))
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 7
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Graduating seniors will average 70 or higher on the Interior Design Major Field Test.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: The average performance score on the MFT was 59.
  
  

3. Students will be able to identify, research, develop and communicate design solutions affecting the health, safety, welfare and well being of the public. (Interior Design (B.S.))
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 2 4 5 7
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• A minimum of 85% of students in IDES 4750 Introduction to Commercial Design, IDES 4730 Residential Design II, IDES 4760 Contract Design I and IDES 4770 Contract Design II will achieve a grade of B or higher.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: The average score in IDES 4750 was 69%, IDES 4730 was 72%, IDES 4760 was 83% and IDES 4770 was 71%.
  
  

4. Early Childhood Education majors will gain a mastery of the knowledge requirements for competency as PreK through 4th grade teachers. (Early Childhood Education (B.S.))
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 7
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• 90% of ECE majors who take the National Teacher Equivalency Tests (NTE) will score at or above level needed for Early Childhood Education portion of Tennessee licensure .
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 87% of students passed all sections of the NTE needed for TN licensure
  
  

5. ECE majors will gain a mastery of knowledge requirements for early childhood literacy through course information and field experience. (Early Childhood Education (B.S.))
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 7
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• 70% of ECE majors will receive a grade of B or higher in CDFS 4375 Literacy in Early Childhood.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 53.7% of students received a B or better in the literacy course taught for the first time in Spring 2005.
  
  

6. Early Childhood Education majors will indicate satisfaction with the overall advising process. (Early Childhood Education (B.S.))
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 1 5
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• 50% of ECE majors will indicate on senior seminar survey that they are satisfied with the advising process.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 74.3% of students completing the Senior Exit Questionnaire indicated satisfaction with academic advising.
  
  

7. Early Childhood Education majors will gain the knowledge to plan effectively for inclusion with students having special needs. (Early Childhood Education (B.S.))
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 3
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• 90% of ECE majors in CDFS 4370 will successfully incorporate inclusive practices into their classroom lesson plans as shown by grades of C or higher on lesson plan assignments.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 94.6% of students in CDFS 4320 received a grade of C or higher.
  
  

8. Students will function effectively in diverse environments. (Family and Consumer Studies (B.S.))
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 1
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• 95% of FCSE students will attain teacher licensure upon graduation.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 100% of FCSE majors attained licensure upon graduation.
  
  
• 95% of CDFS and CS students will complete internships with a grade of A.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 91.4% of CDFS and CS students completed internships with a grade of A.
  
  
  
  

9. CDFS majors’ attitudes toward aging and the elderly will change favorably during their participation in service learning course CDFS 4391. (Family and Consumer Studies (B.S.))
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 1 2 8
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• From pretest to posttest, 75% of CDFS majors will show a significant increase in attitude scores regarding aging and the elderly.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Data collection in progress.
  
  
  

10. FCS majors will complete programs that focus on identifying and meeting the needs of individuals and families in rapidly changing societies. (Family and Consumer Studies (B.S.))
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 1 2 3 5 8
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• FCS majors will score an average of 65% on the Major Field Test.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: The average score on the Major Field Test was 66.1%.
  
  

11. Provide students with a knowledge base in all areas of the fashion design industry. (Textiles, Merchandising and Design (B.S.) )
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 3 5 7
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• 100% of graduating students will achieve a score of 70 or above on the Textiles, Merchandising and Design major field test given at the end of Fall and Spring semesters.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Graduating seniors averaged 71.1% on the Major Field Test for the academic year 04-05.
  
  

12. Expose students to, and encourage participation in, a variety of experiences that encourage creativity and critical thinking skills. (Textiles, Merchandising and Design (B.S.) )
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 3 5 7 8
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• 50% or more apparel design seniors participate annually in design exhibitions and competitions provided by various organizations such as Tennessee Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, and the Dallas Fashion Group.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Data collection is in progress.
  
  

13. Expose students to a variety of people and businesses in the fashion industry through field trips, study tours, internships, and guest speakers. (Textiles, Merchandising and Design (B.S.) )
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 1 3 5 7 8
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Content and diversity of courses, and opportunities for application of learning, will be ranked as “good” or “excellent” by 75% of graduating seniors.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: The average response for these target measures was 62.5% with 75% rating content as good or excellent and 50% rating diversity as good or excellent.
  
  

14. Expose students to state-of-the-art equipment and supplies in laboratory experiences. (Textiles, Merchandising and Design (B.S.) )
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 1 2 3 5 7 8
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• 75% of graduating seniors will indicate on senior surveys that computer resources, lab, and class facilities are “good” or “excellent.”
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 58% rated computer resources as good or excellent and 33% rated class/lab resources as good or excellent.
  
  

15. Prepare students for a variety of careers in the fashion industry. (Textiles, Merchandising and Design (B.S.) )
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 1 3 5 7 8
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• On their senior survey, 75% of graduating seniors will give a “good” or “excellent” rating to quality of coursework in terms of preparation for employment.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 73.9% rated coursework for employment as good or excellent.
  
  

16. Students are provided a quality academic program which enables them to gain a mastery of the knowledge requirements for entry-level dietitians, nutritionists or food technologists. (Nutrition and Food Science )
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 2 3 7
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Graduating seniors will average 75% or higher on the Major Field Test given by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: The average score for graduating seniors was 69.1%.
  
  
• Of program graduates who take the American Dietetic Association’s Registration Examination, 80% will pass.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 100% of fall 2004 graduates passed the exam for a 5-year average pass rate of 90%.
  
  

17. Students are provided educational opportunities to develop personal and professional attitudes and values, and achieve career goals in nutrition and food science. (Nutrition and Food Science )
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 1 3 5 6
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• A minimum of 50% of majors will obtain placement in a dietetics internship.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 100% of research topics related to societal problems.
  
  

18. Students will be trained in use of state-of-the-art equipment and technologies used in nutrition, food science and dietetics. (Nutrition and Food Science )
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 7
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• A minimum of 80% of majors will make a “B” or higher in NFS 3260, NFS 3280, NFS 4220, NFS 4240, NFS 4250 and NFS 4290.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 93% of graduates obtained postgraduate internship placement in 2004-2005
  
  

19. Students are provided a quality academic program which enables them to actively seek solutions to societal problems dealing with individuals and families. (Graduate: M.S. in Human Sciences)
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 2 3 8
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• 75% of students graduating from the program will have researched topics designed to relate to societal problems dealing with individuals and families.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 90% of majors earned a B or better in NFS 3260, 85% in NFS 3280, 100% in NFS 4220, 100% in NFS 4240, 94% in NFS 4250 and 86% in NFS 4290.
  
  

20. Students graduating from the program will be eligible to seek leadership roles within their professional fields. (Graduate: M.S. in Human Sciences)
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 7 8
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• 75% of graduates will indicate the program provided knowledge and skills necessary for their careers.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 100% of graduates indicated they had gained knowledge and skills needed.
  
  

21. Students will graduate as professionals having advanced study that prepared them to be current in the rapidly changing field of Human Sciences. (Graduate: M.S. in Human Sciences)
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes:
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• 75% of graduates will indicate the program prepared them for changing jobs and career requirements.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: 100% of graduates indicated that the program prepared them for changing jobs and career requirements.
  
  

22. Graduating students will have a foundation for continuing their education beyond the master’s degree. (Graduate: M.S. in Human Sciences)
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes:
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Over 50% of program graduates who complete a thesis as part of their master’s program will have the research background to continue toward doctoral study as shown by a B or above in Research Methods.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Over 85% of graduate students completing the thesis have the background to continue toward the doctorate.
  
  

General Goals

1. Provide quality academic programs which prepare graduates for careers in a dynamic and diverse world community. (Instruction)
Related MTSU General Goals: 7
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Review standards and implement changes as needed for continued accreditation by American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, Foundation for Interior Design Education and Research, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, National Association for the Education of Young Children, and Tennessee State Department of Education. Each program area will show evidence of ongoing improvement in meeting existing standards and making changes to meet new standards as they are introduced. For 2001-2002, achieve reaccreditations by AAFCS following site visit Fall 2002, and reaccreditations by ADA following site visit. For 2002-2003, achieve reaccreditations by FIDER.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: FIDER accreditation was reaffirmed. All accreditable programs are accredited.
  
  

2. Provide supportive advising for students in all areas of Human Sciences. (Instruction)
Related MTSU General Goals: 1 2
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Data collected from the Senior Exit Survey will show that on a scale of 1-5 (1=least satisfied, 5-most satisfied), advising in the Human Sciences department averages above 3.0.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: The average score on a 5-point scale on the senior exit survey was 3.45 for advising
  
  

3. Conduct research and/or creative endeavors related to Program Areas. (Research/Creative Activity)
Related MTSU General Goals: 4
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Each faculty member will engage in conducting and/or presenting a minimum of one research or creative activity each academic year.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Met by 100% of faculty.
  
  

4. Participate in public service and outreach opportunities. (Public/Professional/University Service)
Related MTSU General Goals: 4 6
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• A minimum of one faculty in each program area will utilize professional expertise in a service project benefiting the community and/or university.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Extensive public/professional/university service activities were conducted by faculty with all tenured and tenure-track faculty.
  
  

5. Increase support for faculty research and education. (Public/Professional/University Service)
Related MTSU General Goals: 3 4
Related College of Education and Behavioral Science General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Departmental funding for professional travel for faculty development and research/creative endeavors will be adequate for each faculty member to attend a minimum of one professional meeting each academic year.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Funding was increased to $1000 per faculty member this year for professional development with additional funding provided on a competitive basis for those presenting more that one paper at a national meeting.
  
  

Impacts

Learning Outcomes:
Interior Design (B.S.):
1. Objective was met

2. Objective was met

3. The Major Field Test in IDES needs to be revised to reflect the updated curriculum. The exam will be reviewed this academic year within the allowed revision guidelines.

4. All scores were below target performance in these courses which are foundation courses in IDES. The program faculty will review course content, teaching methodology and grading criteria to improve student acquisition of key concepts and skills.


Early Childhood Education (B.S.):
1. Performance on the NTE was below expectation with 4 out of 31 students not passing the sections of the exam needed for TN licensure. Subscores on the exam will be examined to determine specific content areas needing review in the curriculum.
2. This new course was taught for the first time in the Spring of 2005. A new faculty member with expertise in literacy will be assigned this course for 05-06 and student performance reassessed at the end of the academic year.
3. Objective was met with a significant improvement over the previous year. New program faculty will be trained in academic advising and student mentoring.
4. Objective was met


Family and Consumer Studies (B.S.)
FCSE students continue to perform well on the NTE exam and achieve Tennessee licensure.

Performance in internships was below the expected target measure. Orientation to the professional experience and performance in Professional Seminar class will be monitored to enhance the internship experience.

FCS students met the target for performance on the Major Field Test.

Textiles, Merchandising and Design (B.S.):
Student performance on the Major Field Test meets the target measure, indicating that students are achieving mastery of the didactic content of the curriculum. Students have indicated that a greater diversity in scope and breath of coursework would be beneficial in their chosen career field. With the addition of a new faculty member, careful consideration will be given to selecting candidates who bring needed areas of expertise to the program. There continues to be a great need for facility upgrades, especially in Apparel Design. Plans are in progress to propose renovation of a general use classroom for redesign as an additional apparel design studio if funding becomes available.

Nutrition and Food Science:
Scores on the Major Field Test continue to be below expectation. This test has not been revised for approximately 8 years and needs to be revised in line with curriculum revisions. This year, the test will be revised to reflect the updated curriculum (20% of content questions). Performance measures exceed the national average for postgraduate internship placement and pass rate on the national exam, indicating that students are competitive nationally in gaining foundation knowledge and skills needed for dietetics professionals. Target measures in classroom performance of key content classes exceed expectations.

Graduate: M.S. in Human Sciences:
Performance indicators for the graduate program need to be revised to more closely reflect outcome measures utilized by the College of Graduate Studies and better measure student performance and success rates. The Graduate Faculty will develop measurement indicators this academic year to better assess student outcomes.


Instruction:
All accreditable programs are currently accredited.

Research:
Research productivity consistently is increasing with additional funding and reassigned time awarded for research/creative activities. The Faculty Advisory Committee will continue to search for ways to provide incentives.

Service:
Target indicators have been met