Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Bertha, The three criteria you describe are pertinent to a different section of the course and the TWC rules. Specifically, [that] schools in good standing need not submit applications but must keep these on file at the school...). Your answers are correct for situations where the school may be required to submit all instructor applications for TWC CSC approval. The forum question asks for situations in which you would submit a "variance" application for an instructor. In other words, a variance request/application is needed when you have an instructor candidate who does not meet the required instructor qualifications per the… >>>

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Progress Policies

Marilyn , Thank you for your post. Keep in mind this is a 2-part question: 1) how often must progress be evaluated and; 2) what are the minimum requirements. The TWC CSC rules vary based on length of program. For programs over 200 hours, progress must be evaluated at least every 8 Weeks. Credit hour schools must evaluate progress at the mid-point of a quarter or semester or at least every 8 weeks. The principle here is that the student is advised early so they have an opportunity to improve their grade(s) prior to the school taking action such as academic probation. JP Mehlmann

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Best Practices for Applications

Marilyn , Good response. A good practice is to have two or more people review all applications. It is also recommended to ensure that the reviewers look at the application instructions so they are familiar with what is required. Also, participants in this course have wisely suggested review of prior applications for consistency and guidance when completing an application. JP Mehlmann

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Instructor Variance

Marilyn , It is not uncommon to have an instructor candidate who meets/exceeds the education requirements but does not have the required work experience. Conversely, a candidate could have extensive work experience but be short on education. In either case, a variance is unlikely to be approved if the one criteria that is met, is not significantly above the minimum requirements. JP Mehlmann

Joe Mehlmann

Blog

CM301

I am interested in any feedback from participants who have taken the Texas School Director Course (CM301). To those of you who have taken the course - there is a great amount of information packed into a (relatively) short course. I advise to bookmark the TWC CSC regulations on your computer and frequently refer/review to them to improve your working knowledge.

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Annual Enrollment and Outcomes Reporting

Jorge, Good information. Having great rapport with the student is the best, first step to on-going communication and obtaining future employment data. In addition, the "placed" and "not placed" terms (relative to CSC reports) correspond to the completer follow up survey as well as the annual completer & employment report. You likely know that "placed" is used by CSC to identify graduates who became employed with the help of the school; while graduates [employed] "not placed" found employment without the school's help. The collective surveys for the reporting period must correspond exactly to the data shown in the school's annual… >>>

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Annual Enrollment and Outcomes Reporting

Valentin, Yes - all of the prior comments are valuable and valid. One thing that is not mentioned very often is that some graduates mistakenly believe the school is trying to take credit for a job the grad feels they obtained "on their own". Again, good rapport with the student is key, but it is helpful to inform the student that the TWC CSC reporting process allows for differentiating between graduates who found employment with the schools assistance and those who found employment on their own. Ideally, school personnel can impart to graduates that "we care that you find meaningful… >>>

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Progress Policies

Gregory, That is correct as long as the mid-point is not longer than 8 weeks. Also, it is important to advise the students of their progress and maintain documentation for all students warned for not making satisfactory progress. The underlying principle is that a student has time to improve their progress prior to the end of the grading period. JP Mehlmann

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Best Practices for Applications

Gregory, You mention all the main parts to submitting accurate applications. The person who signs the application (usually Campus President/School Director) is ultimately responsible so that person must be especially diligent when reviewing applications, prior to signing (and then, signing in blue ink). JP Mehlmann

Joe Mehlmann

Discussion Comment

Annual Enrollment and Outcomes Reporting

Don, You make an excellent point that Placement Services must have rapport with the student. This relationship begins early when the student first starts school. If a graduate is uncommunicative or cannot be reached, it is important to have sufficient documentation from an employer if the graduate is counted as employed. JP Mehlmann