course content analysis
Course Content Analysis
EPIC leads the nation in the development and application of methods and tools to analyze the content of courses. Listed below are examples of how these unique approaches are being applied to a range of situations in which the content of courses and their alignment with specific standards need to be determined.
CURRENT PROJECT view project
The AP Course Audit was created at the request of the College Board, who sought a means to provide teachers and administrators with clear guidelines on the curricular and resource requirements for AP courses. The AP Course Audit also helps colleges and universities better interpret secondary school courses marked "AP" on student transcripts.
Schools wishing to label a course "AP" on student transcripts must receive authorization from the College Board. Authorization is granted after an independent review by EPIC-trained faculty consultants. It is an annual process that began with courses taught in the 2007-08 academic year. Once a course has been authorized, schools can renew authorization for subsequent years.
CURRENT PROJECT view project
The Maine Department of Education is partnering with EPIC to develop a web-based system that provides a method of reviewing the course pathways present in every high school in Maine. Each course pathway must effectively embed state standards and learning requirements in ways that allow all students to have an opportunity to learn all Maine Learning Requirements before graduating.
Eventually all public high schools in the state will submit course syllabi that identify which Maine Learning Results (state standards) are covered in each course. Trained content experts will review each course syllabus to validate the alignment of the course with specific Maine Learning Results. Each high school will then receive a profile of the combinations of courses which enable students to receive instruction in all of the Maine Learning Requirements.