Introduction

The evaluation system for the Tech Prep began in 1998 as a joint initiative of the Office of Community College Research and Leadership (OCCRL), the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). This comprehensive approach to evaluation was designed to enhance program implementation and student outcomes in Illinois Tech Prep programs. During the 2005-06 year, OCCRL and ICCB are involved in statewide strategic planning of Tech Prep to determine critical issues that impact implementation and the TPES process.

Goals

1. Establish systematic data collection related to Tech Prep programs.
   
2. Understand and assess consortium activities and outcomes.
   
3. Identify strengths and areas for improvement useful in planning for program improvement.
   
4. Involve stakeholders in all phases of the process.

Activities

There are multiple dimensions to the Tech Prep Evaluation System. First, all consortia are reviewed on a five-year cycle through on-site visits conducted by a team of reviewers. The assessment process is based on consideration of performance on twelve key sub-components. Results are compared for the sites visited each year in order to learn about trends across the state. In addition, each of the 40 Illinois Tech Prep consortia submits a final report to the state. These reports are compiled and statewide totals and trends are analyzed. Further, special projects are undertaken to improve state evaluation practices, such as the training of review team members and the development of a resource document on the identification of Tech Prep students. At the conclusion of the Tech Prep Strategic Planning process conducted during 2005-06, OCCRL and ICCB will review findings and make improvements to the TPES process.

Products

Most of the publications developed under this program are available on our website. They include:

• Selected Outcomes related to Tech Prep Implementation by Illinois Consortia 2002-2006
• Tech Prep on-site review and improvement process manuals (14.63MB)
  - Assessment forms
• Cross-consortium analyses of on-site review findings (FY00, FY01, FY02)
• Annual summaries of Tech Prep final reports to the state (FY00, FY01, FY02)
• Briefs on the status of Illinois Tech Prep

Participating staff: Debra D. Bragg, Catherine Kirby, Julia Panke Makela