October 2012 time for testing, a reader, scribe, or computer, tape recording answers, large print; tape recording lectures; audio books; access to tools and technology; handheld magnifiers, Victor Vibes, ZoomText, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Jaws for Windows and Kurzweil 3000 software. Physical accommodations include ramps, elevators, special desks, and Braille room signs. The Disability Office reaches out to high school Special Education Students that are interested in attending the college connecting with Special Education Teachers and participating in IEP meetings or conduct tours for their students. Disability Services staff is connected with the Academic Advisors to ensure that referrals for accommodations occur efficiently BHC provides on-site parking, including handicapped spaces, for commuters. Public transit is convenient, with city busses available to students commuting in the immediate Quad Cities. Bus passes may be purchased at the college with Pell Grant funding. In the fall of 2009, BHC entered into an agreement with MetroLINK Mass Transit System. The goal of the partnership is to address the college’s commitment to “access” to education for the district’s students. Due to the economic down turn in 2008 and the increase in gas prices, this partnership was developed to provide an intentional solution to commuter, low income, minority, and ESL students who may not be able to attend or persist at Black Hawk due to access and economic issues related to transportation. This agreement allows for unlimited access on fixed routes for QC and Kewanee campus sites and for usage to work, childcare, and other places that students may need to access. The ridership agreement is inclusive of credit and GED and ABE students. Additionally, the college tuition waivers process allows for senior citizens who qualify to access courses offered. Unique programming is offered in each Professional and Continuing Education cycle, with classes designed especially for senior citizens. Adult Education offers multiple locations throughout the college’s district. For example, 12- 14 sites are offered at any given time to accommodate students by offering instruction closer to their homes. Class scheduling has also been altered and reviewed annually to better accommodate students who are parents with children enrolled in K-12 the system and times of classes are aligned with the MetroLINK bus schedule.
1P11.
The college defines documents, communicates expectations for effective teaching, and learning through BHC’s mission statement, intentionally designed processes supporting teaching and learning and clearly documented expectations for effective teaching and learning. It is an institutional responsibility to ensure that faculty has the appropriate degrees, education, and experience to provide high quality instructional experiences. Specific minimum qualifications, responsibilities, and expectations are published in numerous college documents. The following publications with sections specific to the expectations of faculty teaching and learning are available to the college community through myBH: The Board Policy Manual, Full-time (FT) and Part-time (PT) Faculty Handbooks, updated annually, and the Curriculum/Course Handbook, with a three-year review cycle. Non-tenured faculty and faculty seeking promotion are evaluated by both the Dean and Department Chair of program areas to provide specific feedback and assessment of teaching and learning. This process of regular in-class evaluation provides critical feedback to directly support, measure, and document effective teaching and learning. With pre- and post-evaluation meetings, expectations regarding effective teaching and learning are not only communicated, feedback is provided to improve the classroom experience. To track individual progress, faculty members work closely with the department chairperson as a mentor and resource to continue improving instruction. Departmental meetings and workshops communicate best practices and concerns. Professional development opportunities are supported by the department and college administration. AQIP Category 1
17
Helping Students Learn