Cora Agatucci
Professional Improvement Plan - 1996-2000 Cycle
NOTE:  This is my third Professional Improvement Plan since joining the COCC faculty in 1988.

ABSTRACT

Cora Agatucci will pursue four primary goals during her 1996-2000 PIP cycle: (1) to develop her skills and instructional resources for using computer technology and multimedia in the classroom; (2) to implement proficiency-based instruction and strengthen the coherence and effectiveness of student learning in her courses and across the curriculum; (3) to investigate new currents in teaching composition and writing across the disciplines, and provide leadership and support for Writing, WIC and WAD faculty; and (4) to develop effective cross-cultural instructional materials and approaches to teaching multicultural and global Humanities courses, and to support the goals of multicultural and international education.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS, METHODS, & ACTIVITIES

GOAL 1: Develop my skills and instructional resources for using computer technology and multimedia in the classroom.

Goal 1 Methods:

  1. Build a base of multimedia presentations, course materials, and electronically-enhanced instructional activities and resources for my own and my students’ use in my current courses.
  2. Work with colleagues on related instructional projects and resource development.
  3. Explore possible applications to distance educational delivery formats.

Goal 1 Activities Already Begun or Completed:

  1. Built COCC Library media collection of African and Asian feature films/videotapes in summer and fall 1996; organized and hosted African Film Series (open to the public and publicized via appropriate channels), held in Hitchcock Auditorium, Fall 1996; and consulted on COCC African and multicultural film holdings and resources with interested district teachers in my summer 1996 Lewis & Clark graduate courses and with COCC Center District personnel in fall 1996.
  2. Created presentation on African film in Karen Huck’s Film Arts 101 class, fall 1996; and developed presentation and handouts for film showing and discussion-presentation on Master Harold and the Boys and South Africa, for Bend chapter of Amnesty International, Hitchcock Auditorium, 21 Nov. 1996.
  3. Attended Multi-media training session for the Humanities Dept., conducted by Jim Obert and Bob McWhorter to learn capabilities of new multimedia equipment in Deschutes 1, 20 Sept. 1996; trained further by Kathy Walsh in creating PowerPoint slide presentations, using photoCDs, on Des 1 equipment in fall 1996,
  4. Created PowerPoint multimedia presentations, with photoCDs and music, on Chinese, Indian, and Japanese Cultural History for Hum 210 in summer and Christmas break 1996.
  5. Shared Asian film/videotape proposals and acquisitions, and Hum 210 PowerPoint presentations with Patricia O’Neill in fall 1996-winter 1997; and gave departmental PowerPoint demonstration in winter 1997.
  6. Trained by Bob McWhorter on upgraded office PowerMac and relevant software, to facilitate development of First Class Conferencing class folders, Pioneer computer lab course enhancements, and new multimedia instructional materials (since my office PowerMac capabilities have proven inadequate, I have since requested an ibm with Windows 95 and software compatible with the multimedia computer equipment in Deschutes 1);
  7. Attended Humanities Dept. training session on Infotrack search and full-text capabilities, conducted by Cath Finney, 5 Mar. 1997, to enhance preparation for teaching Writing 123.
  8. Successfully proposed in winter 1997, with Kathy Walsh and Margaret Peterson, a PET proposal entitled "Multimedia Instructional Projects," for summer 1997; we begin training with Bob McWhorter in June 1997.
  9. Have begun training with Bob McWhorter on the use of my new home ibm-compatible Notebook laptop (purchased with individual funds in spring 1997), equipped with Windows 95, PowerPoint 97, and FrontPage; and on the ability to transfer instructional files from my home computer to the Des 1 computer for classroom use.

GOAL 2: Continue to implement proficiency-based instruction and strengthen the coherence and effectiveness of student learning across the curriculum.

Goal 2 Methods:

  1. Identify appropriate student learning outcomes and proficiencies in writing and humanities courses, working with Humanities and other cross-disciplinary faculty as desirable to build consensus and strengthen curricular coherence.
  2. Continue to adapt my instructional objectives and methods to proficiency-based instruction and criterion-based assessment consistent with these student learning outcomes and proficiencies.
  3. Support colleagues in Humanities and other departments working toward similar goals to strengthen the coherence and effectiveness of instruction and student learning across the curriculum.
  4. Continue to support inter-institutional Oregon educational reform efforts, as opportunity and time allow.

Goal 2 Activities Already Begun or Completed:

  1. Prepared report, submitted to academic deans in fall 1996, on statewide PASS Planning Conference, held at COCC in June 1996, which I attended as COCC representative.
  2. Served on Humanities Dept. Composition Committee, 1996-97: we have defined student learning outcomes for Wr 121, 122, 123, and 227; considered revisions to the Wr 121 exit final and participated in Wr 121 final essay exam criterion-based "norming" sessions; and posted relevant curricular materials to Humanities Composition Conference to help Writing faculty revise courses as needed to meet the approved Writing course outcomes; established the Wr 121 outcomes as the basis for evaluating new textbook proposals for use in Wr 121.
  3. Revised my own English Composition syllabi and courses this year to publish and meet the defined learning outcomes as approved by the Composition Committee.
  4. Consulted on district schools’ training needs for implementing CIM and CAM, and attended exploratory meeting with Kathy Walsh and Redmond middle and high school teachers, arranged by Lucy Burton, in winter 1997.
  5. Served on statewide Oregon Writing and English Advisory Committee (OWEAC), 1996-97: stayed abreast of new developments in Oregon Education Reform, contributed COCC writing sequence outcomes at winter 1997 meeting, and shared the writing course outcomes and proficiencies developed at other Oregon community colleges with the Humanities Dept. Composition Committee.
  6. Served as "Communications Champion" to coordinate efforts to revise and align Oregon community college PREP "Communication" Proficiencies with PASS-CAM standards and with community college professional-technical programs; attended teleconference, hosted by Patsy Chester and Elaine Yandel-Roth, at COCC site on 11 Dec. 1996, with Gary Isham and Steve O'Brien; attended Oregon Ed Reform planning meeting chaired by Gary Isham on 23 Jan. 1997; coordinated review and revision of PREP Communications Reading, Speech, and Writing proficiencies, by faculty in the Humanities Dept. and other Oregon community colleges; the revised PREP Communications standards I have posted to Humanities conference Standards folder; they are also being published for statewide community college review by Elaine Yandel-Roth, OCCS.
  7. Served as Evaluator for Humanities, Fine Arts, Writing, College preparatory ESL and Developmental English on the North Seattle Community College Accreditation Team, for the Commission on Colleges, Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges,13-16 April 1997: preparatory reading updated me on Standards V and VII, with emphasis on measuring educational effectiveness of general education core and related instruction, and faculty evaluation policies; particularly enlightening was my exposure to NSCC and other Washington state community college efforts to establish general education learning outcomes; to revise associate’s degree and certificate program requirements, departmental curricula, and individual course outlines in accordance with these outcomes; and to develop sound methods of assessing educational effectiveness.
  8. Elected to three year term on Academic Affairs Committee, 1997-2000; future agenda includes re-examination of the associate’s degree in light of recent curricular changes and Oregon educational reform goals.

GOAL 3: Investigate new currents in teaching composition and writing across disciplines, and provide leadership and support for writing, WIC and WAD faculty.

Goal 3 Methods:

  1. Pursue directed reading and research projects, and seek appropriate professional development opportunities.
  2. Provide support and leadership for the Humanities Department writing program faculty through continued service on the Composition Committee.
  3. Provide support and leadership for faculty in other departments using writing in their courses through programs such as WIC and WAD.

Goal 3 Activities Already Begun or Completed:

  1. Chaired the WIC Committee (Stacey Donohue, Patricia O’Neill, and Nancy Zens), reporting to AA Curriculum Subcommittee, fall 1996-winter 1997: WIC: proposed WS 102 for WIC designation; approved by AA Curriculum Subcommittee in fall 1996; consulted with Margaret Peterson and Nancy Zens on WAD assignments, and reviewed U.S. History packet of WIC related materials for Nancy Zens in fall 1996; also worked with WIC Review Committee and AA Curriculum in fall 1996 to review new WIC course proposals and to streamline WIC approval procedures.
  2. Exchanged course materials and consulted on articulation between COCC English Composition sequence and high school writing curriculum with Redmond High School AP and senior English teacher, fall 1996.
  3. Led English faculty meeting to develop curricular ideas for new EOSC "enhanced" courses in fall 1996; developed, prepared packets for, and taught new course preparation Writing 316 (Advanced Prose Writing) in spring 1997.
  4. Discussed with George Jolokai and the Composition Committee a possible future PET for George to develop a slide presentation on visual literacy, advertising image analysis, and critical thinking skills to support ad analysis and media rhetoric assignments in Wr 121 and/or Wr 122 courses.
  5. Attended Oregon Composition and Rhetoric Conference, "The Rhetoric of Nature and the Nature of Rhetoric," held at EOSC, 10 May 1997, La Grande, OR.
  6. Maintained memberships in the National Council of Teachers of English, Oregon Council of Teachers of English, Conference on College Composition and Communication, as well as subscriptions to College English, CCC;I also read, when time allows, departmental and library subscriptions to relevant English journals.
  7. Requested College Hour times in winter and spring 1997 to lead presentation on WIC and WAD, but was unable to secure a place on the schedule.

GOAL 4: Continue to develop effective cross-cultural instructional materials and approaches to teaching multicultural and global culture courses, and to support the goals of multicultural and international education.

Goal 4 Methods:

  1. Refine teaching strategies and build instructional resources for Hum 210, Hum 211, WS 101, WS 102, Eng 105, and Univ. Center-EOSC Engl 390 (Multicultural Literature).
  2. Pursue directed reading and research projects, and seek appropriate professional development opportunities to keep abreast of new theories, pedagogies, and resources for cross-cultural studies in the humanities.
  3. Work with colleagues in the Humanities and other departments pursing similar ends.

Goal 4 Activities Already Begun or Completed:

  1. Revised and taught Hum 211 in fall 1996, and WS 102 in winter 1997; developed new course preparations, course packets, and taught Hum 210 and EOSC English 390 (Multicultural Literature) in spring 1997; in the process, I have integrated new texts (including oral arts and film); multimedia and other new course materials; new guest presentations and/or topics, and new cross-cultural pedagogies and assignments, building on my 1996 sabbatical research on women’s studies, multicultural and global literature and humanities; and on my training in new instructional technologies.
  2. Reviewed Kathy Walsh’s African American Culture and Literature materials as part of her PET evaluation report in Sept. 1996, and have continued to consult with her on common issues in multicultural and global literature courses, 1996-97.
  3. Supported "Across the Generations," First Annual Central Oregon Women’s Conference, held in the Bend National Guard Armory, 26 Oct. 1996.
  4. Attended planning meeting on 3 Dec. 1996, and first session of COCC in-house Diversity Workshop, held in GRV 109, on 17 Jan. 1997; and attended PSU Prof. Darryl Milner’s slide-presentation on Oregon Civil Rights, held in Pinckney Center, 20 Jan. 1997
  5. Coordinated integration of guest speakers PSU Black Studies Prof. Daryl Milner and LilliAnn Linford-Foreman; reading, viewing/attending performances of, and writing assignments on Raisin in the Sun and The Mikado into English 105, developed supporting course materials and presentations on Japanese Kabuki theatre and Kabuki Mikado for English 105 and WS 102 in winter 1997, and for Hum 210 in spring 1997; and shared these materials with Patricia O’Neill.
  6. Proposed presentation, with Valerie Verley, entitled "Teaching and Learning across Cultures in the Community College," for session "Experiencing Culture in the Community College," for Dec. 1997 MLA Conference.
  7. Began developing panel proposal with Stacey Donohue and Kathy Walsh on defining student learning outcomes and implementing multimedia materials and new pedagogies for teaching multicultural literature in May 1997, for the Nov. 1998 South Central MLA Conference and/or other professional conferences.
  8. Began research in preparation for writing a 2500-word article on Michelle Cliff by 1 Aug. 1997, for Contemporary African-American Novelists: A Bio-Bibliographical Critical Sourcebook, ed. Emmanuel Nelson (Prof. of English, SUNY-Cortland), to be published by Greenwood Publishing Group.
  9. Began research in preparation for writing an article on Yambo Ouologuem’s Bound for Violence, from a feminist post-colonial perspective, by Dec. 1997, for a collection of literary critical essays on the African novel, to be edited by Christopher Wise and tentatively accepted for publication (sorry I do not now recall for which press; Christopher is fairly inaccessible at present, on a one-year Fulbright Lectureship in Burkina Faso, but he returns to Bend in August 1997, when I will be able to consult with him further).
  10. Maintained memberships in the Modern Language Association and NOW, as well as subscriptions to College English, PMLA, African-American Review, Transitions, Women’s Studies Quarterly, Harper’s, Atlantic Monthly.

EVALUATION AND DOCUMENTATION

  1. Student, peer, and designated evaluator’s performance evaluations and Annual Service Reports in my Personnel file in the Office of Human Resources and the Humanities Department Office.
  2. References and recommendations of those who have worked with me on these projects.
  3. Documents posted to relevant COCC First Class Conference folders and/or copies of named documents available for review.
  4. Syllabi and course materials filed in the Humanities Dept. office and/or presentations and other course materials reviewed by colleagues and designated evaluator, and available for review upon request.
  5. Copies of proposals, papers, published articles, etc., referenced are or will be made available for review.
  6. Records of approved forms submitted for administrative and professional travel reimbursements, with receipts attached, for relevant PIP activities.

Documents Attached:

  1. Memo from Bill Buck regarding my service as moderator of the panel "A Sense of Home" for the Oct. 1996 COCC Conference "Our Home in the Landscape."
  2. Letters from Joyce Tsunada and Constance Rice, and e-mail from Bob Barber regarding my April 1997 service as member of the North Seattle Community College Accreditation Evaluation Team.
  3. Copy of publication agreement with Greenwood Publishing Group, affirming the invitation to write an article on Michelle Cliff for Contemporary African American Novelists.
  4. Copy of PET Proposal "Multimedia Instructional Projects," dated 24 Jan. 1997 and approved by PET Committee in winter 1997 (follow-up PET report on these summer 1997 projects will be submitted in fall 1997).

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URL of this webpage:  http://web.cocc.edu/cagatucci/PIPSab/PIP9600.htm
Last Updated: Sunday, 23 January 2005


 © 1997 - 2011, Cora Agatucci, Professor of English
Humanities Department, Central Oregon Community College
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