Accreditation as Best Practice
Syllabus
The Accreditation Commission states “In every class section students receive
a course syllabus that specifies learning objectives consistent with those in
the institution’s officially approved course outline.”
ACCJC
Link Links to an external site.
Contact Hours and Study Requirements
Title 5, Section 55002.5 of the California Education Code requires a minimum of 48 hours of lecture, study, or laboratory work for each unit a student is engaged in for a semester (48 / 16 weeks= 3 contact hours a week for a one-unit course). For a 3-unit course, a student should be involved in a combination of nine hours of instruction and study per week.
Writing
Title 5, Section 55002 of the California Education Code requires grades to be “based on demonstrated proficiency in subject matter and the ability to demonstrate that proficiency, at least in part, by means of essays or, in courses where the curriculum committee deems them to be appropriate, by problem solving exercises or skills demonstrations by students.” This means that all courses (except “skills” courses like math, typing, or PE) need to have a significant written assignment or essay exam that is incorporated into the course grade. Details for fulfilling this requirement (e.g., number or type of written assignments) should be determined within the department.
Instructor Contact--Distance Learning
Title 5, Section 55211 of the Education Code requires that all courses offered as distance education include “regular effective contact between instructor and students, through group or individual meetings, orientation and review sessions, supplemental seminar or study sessions, field trips, library workshops, telephone contact, correspondence, voice mail, e-mail, or other activities.” Details for fulfilling this requirement (e.g., number or type of written assignments) should be determined within the department.