Benchmarking and Streamlining Subcommittee Minutes - 4/12/00

The Proprietary School Advisory Council Sub-Committee on Bench Marking and Streamlining (COBS) held its third full committee meeting on Wednesday, April 12, 2000 at the Cope Institute, 84 William Street, New York City. Please refer to the notes from the last meeting (February 22, 2000) to understand the full objectives and establishment of the sub-groups within COBS.

BENCH MARKING

This sub-group recommended that all proprietary schools should fit into seven general missions. It was concluded that all licensed schools have the mission of "training and placing students in the field of . . . "

a. hospitality management

b. appearance enhancement

c. computer technology

d. ESL

e. business

f. technical trades

g. allied health

BPSS handed out a rough list of all licensed schools categorized by these mission clusters. COBS agreed to review the breakdown and discuss the mission clusters and the school groups further at its next meeting.

2. What to Measure Sub-Group

COBS discussed the efforts and ideas of this sub-group. It was suggested that we use the IEP as a tool. It was also suggested that the ACICS formulas be used since they appear to be most relevant for our sector. It was discussed that if COBS is successful in meeting its charge, perhaps this endeavor could replace or modify the current OEDS system.

It was decided that the best way to fulfill the "what to measure" concept is to recommend Standard Measures and Optional Areas. The standard measures would be required of all clusters, while the optional areas would apply to only certain clusters as decided by those schools or peers in the same grouping.

1. student retention rates

2. student placement rates

3. % of students who graduate

4. completion rates

5. student/instructor ratios

6. average class size

1. student satisfaction

2. community satisfaction

3. level of employer satisfaction

4. other measures as determined by peer/school groups

It was determined that we need a small group to define exactly "how" the standard measures would be done. Depending on how the individual measures are calculated, some of the standard measures may be the same measure.

This "how" group will meet on Tuesday, June 13, 2000 at the BPSS-NYC office starting at 10:00.

STREAMLINING

COBS then moved on to its streamlining charge. After much discussion, it was still an issue of qualifications vs. competency in regards to the BPSS licensing of business teachers. BPSS claims that it has the duty and burden of determining qualifications pursuant to its mandates under the law and regulations. It is in the discretion of the schools to determine the competency of teachers and to evaluate them on that basis in the classroom.

The suggestion was made to send out teachers for evaluation similar to certain curriculum. BPSS responded negatively to the idea since there are no statutory provisions for such a practice as there is for curriculum.

BPSS represented that it is balancing the need for standardization with the request that each school applicant be treated like an individual with his or her own unique qualities. BPSS did say that it would treat an applicant's employment in a school as possibly more than just teaching experience. Depending on the responsibilities and tasks of the individual, BPSS will consider their tenure at a school as "employment" for the purpose of meeting licensing requirements.

COBS will continue exploring this area and move on to other streamlining issues identified at its last meeting.

CAREER SCHOOL WEEK (CSW)

The upcoming CSW was also discussed. More schools need to sponsor and host events for the week of May 15, 2000. All schools can submit their event directly to David Sherwood at BPSS for inclusion on the Running Agenda on the BPSS web site.

It was also recommended that schools contact their local high school principals, guidance counselors and administrators to encourage their participation at the kick-off event on May 15 and the various other events going on during the week in their individual communities.

It was discussed how CSW is a terrific way for our sector to really show the public the quality training and opportunities that are available for students through the hundreds of licensed business, trade, and computer training facilities in New York State. It is up to all of us in the sector to make this event a big success.