2.7.3  

The institution requires in each undergraduate degree program the successful completion of a general education component at the collegiate level that (1) is a substantial component of each undergraduate degree, (2) ensures breadth of knowledge, and (3) is based on a coherent rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent; for baccalaureate programs, a minimum of 30 semester hours or the equivalent. These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural science/mathematics. The courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession. (General Education)

RATIONALE FOR COMPLIANCE JUDGMENT

All degree programs at Nashville State include a general education component based on the Tennessee Board of Regents’ (TBR) general education requirements and the college’s rationale for general education. The college identified competencies that… “prepare students for success in employment and in pursuit of additional education.”  To earn the A.A.S., A.A./A.S. degree at Nashville State, students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours. For the AAS degree, students must have at least 25 percent (15 hours) in general education. Students completing the AA/AS university parallel degree must complete a general education core of 41 hours. The required general education hours for all degree programs provide a substantial component for the two-year programs of study [1] [2].

Nashville State’s current general education program began in 2003.  TBR initiative, as part of the Defining Our Future initiative, implemented a system-wide common core of general education to allow for seamless transfer among the 19 community colleges and universities.  Using a system-wide Ad Hoc General Education committee, TBR developed a plan that included: a philosophy, six categories of courses, learning goals and outcomes, a methodology for implementing a common core and assurance that the common core meets SACS requirements.  Initially, each college/university submitted a list of courses with objectives and assessment activities to the General Education Committee for approval.  Sixty-six of Nashville State’s proposed 69 courses received approval and were implemented in 2004. The TBR system’s adoption of a common core of general education courses ensured (1) transferability of courses among the system’s colleges and universities, (2) that courses were equivalent and college level in content, (3) that courses provided the breadth and knowledge needed for degree completion.

Nashville State’s general education core is based on the TBR requirements as well as the college’s own rationale and competencies.  The nine competencies adopted by Nashville State of the catalog and include the categories of writing, using information sources, oral presentations, team work, mathematics, critical thinking skills, technology, cultural diversity and scientific thought [2]. To assure breadth of knowledge in the general education program, Nashville State’s general education program supports the nine competencies while also adhering to TBR requirements that specify a broad range of courses.

For the A.A.S. degree, students must complete three semester hours each for a total of 15 hours from the approved core in:

·    English Composition

·    Humanities/Fine Arts

·    Social/Behavioral Sciences

·    Natural Sciences or Mathematics

·    One additional course from Communication, Humanities/Fine Arts or Natural Sciences/Mathematics [3]

Students completing the A.A./A.S. degree programs must complete 41 general education hours from the approved core in:

·    nine semester hours in Communication

·    nine semester hours in Humanities and/or Fine Arts (one in Literature)

·    six semester hours in Social/Behavioral Sciences

·    six semester hours in History

·    eight semester hours in Natural Sciences

·    three semester hours in Mathematics [4]

To enroll in any of the college’s general education courses, students must complete all developmental course prerequisites. This requirement helps ensure that students are prepared to enter the college-level general education core of courses. The number of developmental courses a student must complete varies according to student placement by the ACT or Compass test. The maximum courses a student might need before enrolling in general education courses could include three math courses, two writing courses, two reading courses and a Learning Strategies course. The college’s placement process and developmental courses are designed to help students have the necessary skills levels for collegiate general education courses [5].

Nashville State evaluates general education courses through measurement of student perceptions and academic performance. Some of the measurement methods include course evaluations, the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST), the Alumni Survey and the Community College Student Survey of Engagement (CCSSE).  The CCTST is the test NSCC uses to assess the general education skills of all degree graduates.  Under the Tennessee Performance Funding program, each institution uses one of four tests.  Results of these tests and surveys provide data for college use in assessing the achievement of general education goals.  (See 3.5.1 for additional information on assessment) [6].