As per the procedure for designating a course as “Writing Intensive,” the instructor develops the WI course with attention to the established criteria, and the Department Chair evaluates and approves the course for Writing Intensive designation.
The following process is recommended every time a new instructor teaches a WI course and periodically for returning WI instructors:
Step 1
The WI instructor completes the “Writing Intensive Criteria Checklist” (FORM A) and submits the completed checklist with a copy of the course syllabus and writing assignments to the Department Chair at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
Step 2
The Department Chair reviews the syllabus and materials, providing feedback as needed. Form B, “Rubric for Evaluating Individual WI courses,” can be used for this purpose. Instructor will make necessary revisions prior to the start of the semester.
ASSESSMENT OF WRITING INTENSIVE COURSES (COMPLETED IN THE DEPARTMENT AND INCORPORATED INTO THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENT REPORT)
Step 1 – for WI Instructor
Instructors submit FORM A, “Writing Intensive Criteria Checklist,” with a copy of the course syllabus and writing assignments to the Department Chair at a date determined by the Chair, for example, two weeks prior to the start of the semester, within two weeks of the start of the semester, within one week of the end of the semester, etc.
Step 2 – for WI Instructor
Based on an assessment of each student’s writing over the course of the semester, WI Instructors complete the “Rubric for Evaluating Student Outcomes in WI Courses” for each WI course. This rubric includes each student’s course grade and an assessment of the student’s skills in key areas. Instructors use the excel spreadsheet (FORM D), and submit it with a narrative evaluation within one week of the end of the semester in which the course is taught. The narrative evaluation provides the instructor an opportunity to reflect on the course and to consider what did or did not work, revisions to the course, support services that might be offered to students, and professional development opportunities for instructors.
Step 3 – for Department Chair
Each Department includes an evaluation of their Writing Intensive courses as part of their departmental assessment report at the end of the academic year. There are two parts to the assessment: an assessment of the courses being offered by the department, and an assessment of students’ achievement of the learning outcomes.
- Based on a review of the Writing Intensive Criteria Checklists (FORM A) submitted for all WI courses offered by the Department in the academic year, the Chair completes “Rubric for Evaluating Departmental WI Courses” (FORM C). The Department retains copies of FORM A and sends syllabi for archival purposes only to Marne Benson, Writing Across the Curriculum Coordinator.
- Based on a review of all Rubrics for Evaluating Student Outcomes in WI Courses (FORM D) and the attached narrative evaluations, the Chair summarizes findings and analyzes results, offering suggestions for the following year. Copies of FORM D are submitted with the assessment report to Associate Dean.