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Topic chosen for Seminole State's QEP

Monday, Jul 23, 2012
Jay Davis

Students study in the library on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus.

Seminole State College of Florida will focus on improving reading comprehension as part of its Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) required for reaccreditation.

The topic was chosen in May by the Executive Team from four finalists and after reviewing feedback from faculty, staff and community leaders. 

Starting in April, QEP co-chairs Dr. Lisa Valentino and Professor Bonnie Tensen presented the four potential QEP topics to more than 400 employees and 31 advisory team members. Input was then gathered on which would have the most significant impact on student learning at Seminole State.  Members of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Seminole State College also were electronically surveyed.

The QEP was narrowed to four topics in January: reading, writing, writing through supplemental instruction and problem-solving. Valentino said that because all the topics focused on critical issues, many of those surveyed had difficulty choosing just one topic. However, in tabulating the numbers, improving reading comprehension was by far the top choice.

“This is just the first step in this process,” Valentino says. “We still have much work to do over the next five years.”

For the remainder of the year, the College will set up committee structures, identify timelines and critical dates, and research best practices for improving reading comprehension in adult learners, Valentino says.

QEP is a core requirement for reaccreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges. This process requires the College to submit a comprehensive compliance certification document and a QEP plan centered on a single academic topic by summer 2013. For more information, please visit the QEP homepage.