Performance Based Education Policy

 PERFORMANCE BASED EDUCATION [PBE] COURSE INFORMATION

If this is a performance based course, the following grading policy applies:

TSTC PBE Grading Policy for Technical Courses 

A        90-100        Excellent/Superior Performance Level 4

B        80-89          Above Required Performance Level 3

F        Below 80     Failure to meet Performance Requirements 0

NE        --              No Credit Earned (Subscription Add-On Only)

IP          --         In Progress

W          --             Withdrawal 0

CR        --             Credit 0

AUD      --             Audit of Course 0

See College Catalog for complete descriptions.

PBE INFORMATION

For Performance-Based Education (PBE) Courses, the name of TSTC’s course-based Competency-Based Education (CBE) initiative, courses require a minimum grade standard be met. For this course the minimum grade standard is set at 80%. 

Mastery assessments have been built to align with industry reviewed course competencies and you will have multiple attempts to reach this mastery level as outlined in the Departmental Multiple Mastery Attempt Policy below. All Mastery Assessments must be completed with a minimum mastery grade by the end of the semester.

Your work in this course will be self-directed, which means that you will be able to determine how much time will be devoted to each of the learning modules with the guidance of your Enrollment Coach and Faculty member. You will work on completing a Suggested Timeline Table to help you determine how much time you should set aside for each of your courses.  

A Departmental Multiple Attempt at Mastery Policy is provided below, that will be followed as well. The final grade for this course will be determined by averaging all the Mastery Assessments, each of which must meet the minimum mastery grade requirement posted above.

If your course has lab requirements you will be required to attend the lab times scheduled with your enrollment coaches. Additional lab time may be available and will be managed with faculty approval.

ENROLLMENT COACH INFORMATION

TSTC is here to help you succeed and to aid you through your journey with us. We have assigned you an Enrollment Coach who will assist you with scheduling your classes, guide you towards completing your classes on time, and let you know about all the services TSTC has to offer.  In order to help you stay on track to your great paying job, we ask that you meet with your enrollment coach weekly, whether in person, on the computer, or through a phone call.  These meetings won’t take long and we want to make sure you know how you are doing and how to get where you are going!  To schedule a meeting with your enrollment coach you can click on this link: http://tstc.edu/meetwithcoach.  Our job is to make you successful!

PBE Mastery Assessments Guidelines

In Performance Based Education (PBE) courses, you are required to show mastery of course competencies through assessments. At TSTC, mastery assessments in technical courses have the mastery level set at 80% or better. You will need to complete ALL Mastery Assessments at or above the required mastery level in order to complete the course. The benefit of PBE is that in the event you do not finish the course, Mastery Assessment scores will carry over to the next semester and you can pick up where you left off in the course. 

For Computer Networking & Systems Administration, you may attempt each Mastery Assessment up to 3 times.

Before Your First Mastery Assessment Attempt

Before attempting a Mastery Assessment, you should complete any formative assessments (typically labeled “Practice and Apply” or “Activity” or “Lab”) included in the module. These formative assessments are designed to help gauge your understanding of the content and help you prepare for the Mastery Assessment.

You MUST also complete any Check for Understanding activities in the Module. The Check for Understandings are automatically graded and designed to make sure you are ready BEFORE you move on to the mastery assessment. For Computer Networking & Systems Administration, you must score at least 80% before you will be able to move on to the Mastery Assessment. You may attempt each Check for Understanding multiple times, but it is strongly suggested that if you are not successful on the Check for Understanding, you return to the module and review all content before attempting it again. 

After Your First Mastery Assessment Attempt

Instructors will grade your Mastery Assessment within 2 business days. While waiting for feedback on the assessment, continue working on your other course(s).

If you do not meet the predetermined score to indicate mastery of the content, you will be given another assessment opportunity. 

If your first attempt score is between 60 and 79% on a technical course Mastery Assessment, you can self-direct your module review or meet with an instructor to close the gaps in your knowledge, skills or abilities.

If you scored below 60% on a technical course Mastery Assessment, you will need to return to the corresponding module(s) and view all instructional materials and attempt or reattempt all formative assessments. 

After Your Second Mastery Assessment Attempt

If you fail to demonstrate mastery on the second or any subsequent Mastery Assessment attempt, you MUST schedule a time to meet with your instructor to review the first two attempts. The instructor may assign mandatory tasks for you to complete before the next attempt.

Mastery Assessments in the Gradebook

The highest score from all attempts will be recorded for each Mastery Assessment.  

If you desire an additional attempt to raise your score, you must complete all Mastery Assessments in the course first and then contact your instructor for directions. Note: You cannot request an attempt to raise a score after the semester has ended. It is your responsibility to plan your coursework so that adequate time remains at the end of the semester to administer any additional assessment(s).

If you are repeating a course, it is up to your instructor’s discretion whether or not you may re-attempt Mastery Assessments from the previous semester in order to raise your score. You must still complete all Mastery Assessments in the course, before requesting additional attempts. Before requesting to re-attempt  Mastery Assessments, please consider whether you have completed all Mastery Assessments in your other courses and whether there is sufficient time remaining in the semester to submit your Mastery Assessments and receive feedback.

Deadline for Submitting Final Mastery Assessment Attempts

The deadline for a Mastery Assessments attempt to receive feedback with an additional attempt is Friday at 5:00 pm CST the week before the semester ends. This will allow your instructor 2 business days to grade your assessment and provide feedback before the final Mastery Assessment due date. Your final Mastery Assessment attempt for the semester is due Wednesday at 5:00 pm CST the last week of the semester. This will allow your instructor 2 business days to grade your assessment. Assessments that can be computer graded will close at 5:00 pm CST on the last Friday of the semester.

Mastery Assessment Grade Carry Over

If you do not master an assessment before the end of the semester, you will pick up with that assessment the next semester. Any attempts on that assessment from the previous semester will reset and start over with the first attempt in the new semester. (Note: Failure to complete all Mastery Assessments in a course with the required score will result in an ‘F’ in the course. You will need to register and pay for the course again to continue.)

Mastery Assessment scores are good for two semesters after the initial semester ends. For example, if you master assessments for Modules 1 and 2 in a course but not Module 3 and 4, you will need to finish the remaining modules in the course within the next two consecutive semesters to carry over the scores for Mastery Assessments 1 and 2. You will need to repeat the entire course if it is not completed within the three semester time frame.

Course Policies

Grades and Grading

Grades will be recorded and displayed in the Canvas Gradebook; however, final grades will not be displayed until the end of the semester to reduce confusion.

Missing grades or assignments will be graded 0 at mid-term and at the end of the semester. Any missing or unsuccessful Mastery Assessment at mid-term will result in an earned F for the mid-term grade. Mid-term grades are information only and not binding. Mid-term grades will not affect the end of course grade.

Any missing or unsuccessful Mastery Assessments at the end of the semester will result in an earned F for the end of course grade and will be recorded in your transcript. Retakes of the same course will replace the grade in the Grade Point Average (GPA) but the failed class attempt will not be removed from your transcript.

No Show

You must check in to each course using the embedded Course Check-in module in Canvas to be counted as a Show. Check in must be done for ALL courses at the start of the semester regardless of whether you start work on them immediately or later in the semester. This "no show" list affects financial aid.

Participation

Class participation is judged by turning in work regularly and attending scheduled lab hours. If you do not do any of these I will assume that you have abandoned the course. If you abandon the course you will be referred to a PBE Mentor or Enrollment Coach for evaluation. If you provide only a "token" showing, that is, minimal interaction and accomplishing little to no work, I will consider you as not participating. If you do not participate in a given week during the semester you will be referred to a PBE Mentor and Enrollment Coach for evaluation. It is your responsibility to drop the class by the drop date according to the academic calendar.

Academic Honesty

Texas State Technical College and Computer Networking & Systems Administration expect students to maintain high standards of personal and academic honesty and integrity. In a college environment of this nature, your integrity is especially critical, because the opportunities for dishonesty are more readily available and the trust level is higher. Exploiting either of these opportunities is a particularly blatant and offensive act.

By enrolling and remaining as a participant in this course, you affirm that you will adhere to the strictest standards of academic honesty and integrity. You must maintain academic integrity and honesty at all times, on all course assessments: homework, in-class activities, labs, projects, exams, etc.

You must work independently when required, and work effectively in groups when required. You must use only the resources and assistance permitted on a given course activity. You must pay special attention to whether assessments are designated as ‘individual’ or ‘group’ assessments, as well as what materials, resources, and help from others are permitted.

When you are permitted to use materials and ideas that belong to others, you must state the source of the information in the manner required. If you use outside help or materials when not allowed, you are in violation of this policy in the way of cheating. If you are allowed to use outside materials, but do not cite the sources of your information, you are in violation of this policy in the way of plagiarism.

If you assist other students in violating this policy, you are considered equally in violation.

The use of language models such as ChatGPT for Mastery Assessments is strictly prohibited. Any submission that is found to be generated by a language model will be considered a violation of academic integrity and will result in academic and disciplinary sanctions as warranted in accordance with the student handbook. Students are expected to submit original work that is solely their own.

The use of professional or other hired outside resources for diagnostics, configuration or other assistance for any course work is strictly prohibited. Any submission that is found to contain solutions generated by professional or hired outside resources will be considered a violation of academic integrity and will result in academic and disciplinary sanctions as warranted in accordance with the student handbook. Students are expected to submit original work that is solely their own. 

Personal Behavior

Professionalism is required in the classroom. Students are expected to participate in class discussions, group projects and encouraged to ask questions, but in doing so be respectful and courteous of others. Cell phone use is prohibited during class or in labs. Place phones on silent or turn them off completely. 

Be prepared for class. Have all necessary materials gathered before class begins. Read and perform exercises that are assigned prior to class.

TSTC Computer Use

Any misuse or abuse of computer equipment, programs, or data, including; unauthorized use of computer resources or use of computer resources for unauthorized purposes, accessing or copying programs, records or data belonging to the college or another without permission, attempting to breach, or breaching the security of another user’s account or deprive another user of access to the college’s computer resources, using the college’s computer resources for personal or financial gain, transporting copies of college programs, records or data to another person or computer site without written authorization, or use of college computers to access lewd, offensive, or pornographic material, will be a violation of college standards and will be subject to TSTC Disciplinary Action.

Enrollment Coach Information

TSTC is here to help you succeed and to aid you through your journey with us. We have assigned you an Enrollment Coach who will assist you with scheduling your classes, guide you towards completing your classes on time, and let you know about all the services TSTC has to offer.  In order to help you stay on track to your great paying job, we ask that you meet with your enrollment coach weekly, whether in person, on the computer, or through a phone call.  These meetings won’t take long and we want to make sure you know how you are doing and how to get where you are going!  To schedule a meeting with your enrollment coach you can navigate to this link: http://tstc.edu/meetwithcoach.  Our job is to make you successful!

Email/Social Media

TSTC eMail is the primary tool used on campus to individually contact students. Your email address is visible through WebAdvisor and Canvas and your email address is your TSTC login followed by @mymail.tstc.edu. Your password is your TSTC password. It is just as important to read your email often as you may receive important announcements from within your department and/or from campus resources. Email should be professionally typed, not the same as text messaging and always include a subject and your name.

Along with using email to communicate, TSTC has Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn presences. These accounts are used for general announcements, program highlights, employer spotlights and alumni vignettes.

Canvas Notifications

Students should not turn off Canvas notifications as that is the method instructors communicate with students.  If you turn off notifications you may miss important information related to the course and/or particular assignments that are very beneficial to your success.

Expectations and Communication

Communication between the student and the instructor is vital for successfully completing the course.

The student will:

• Be responsible for all content whether in writing, online, live, or recorded.

• If the student is not able to join live events, it is the student's responsibility to obtain the presented information by other means.

• Turn in assignments, projects and research on time and complete.

• Take assessments, quizzes, exams, and practicums (hands-on exams) on time and using only the authorized tools and help.

• Request assistance from the instructor during office hours or other live interactions, by email, or by any other method the instructor accepts.

• If the student requires an answer, the student must state the problem or question with enough detail and documentation so the instructor can provide an appropriate answer.

The instructor will:

• Provide adequate written, recorded and live content for the student to successfully complete the course work.

• Respond to email and requests for assistance within one business day of the request.

• If the request is made outside business hours, on a weekend, or during a holiday, it will be addressed the following business day.

• Post availability times in Canvas and announce unavailable times in Canvas as applicable.

Computer Requirements

All online and hybrid programs courses require a computer and stable high-speed internet connection. All courses require audio speakers or headphones, microphone, and webcam. Some courses can be completed with minimum specifications such as an internet browser. Others require greater hardware specifications that support installing multiple operating systems and other software. The highest level of required specifications is listed below.

CPU - 64bit AMD or Intel (Quad Core or better)

Intel VT/AMD-V (CPU enabled Virtualization) **Does not support ARM**

RAM - 16GB or better

Hard Disk - 500GB (7200 RPM or SSD recommended)

Minimum of 100GB available disk storage

Video Card - 1GB video card (AMD, Intel, or NVidia)

For additional details contact the course instructor.

Cooperative Education

Co-op is the process of substituting on-the-job training for college credits. Students may earn a maximum of nine course credit hours through Co-op, however the job must be equivalent to the course being substituted. For more information on Co-op see your instructor.

Concealed Handgun Laws 

Texas law governing concealed handguns is in effect as of August 1, 2016. This law authorizes licensed citizens to carry guns on college campuses in Texas. Also, it directs TSTC and other Texas schools to develop policies regarding concealed carry. TSTC Concealed Handguns Policy can be reviewed in the student handbook by navigating to this link: https://tstc.edu/catalog

Syllabus Schedule Modifications

The instructor reserves the right to modify the sequence of instruction as deemed appropriate at the time. Revisions will be communicated to the students via the Canvas webpage.

Hybrid Learning

Hybrid learning presents a unique combination of opportunities and challenges. Content for the class (assignments, readings, links and video lessons) is online in the learning management system (Canvas). Access to the class and its content requires access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet capabilities. It is the responsibility of the student to read, practice and view content before coming to the hybrid lab. The purpose of the hybrid lab is to work through labs and practice sessions and take mastery assessments when you are ready. Instructors are available in the lab to assist with content and learning activities. Mastery Assessments are designed to show that the student has already practiced and mastered the material so the instructor will not assist the student at that time. Assignments and due dates are managed by the instructor just like any other mode of instruction. No other policies are waived or modified in hybrid learning settings.

Hybrid Lab Policy

During registration you negotiated lab times with your enrollment coach. You are expected to attend all scheduled lab times with the following exceptions:

• You are completely finished with all courses for the semester. This must be verified by your instructor.

• You withdraw from all classes.

• Personal or family illness.

• Previous coordination with the instructor.

• If you are unable to attend a scheduled lab time, notify the instructor as quickly as practical via email or Canvas message with the date, time and specific reason for not being able to attend. If you do not remember or have lost your scheduled lab times, you can receive another copy by contacting your instructor or enrollment coach.

If you need additional lab time above what you have been scheduled or need to change your scheduled lab time, contact your instructor.

You are required to check in and check out of the lab using the A+Attendance program running on the kiosk located in the lab. Failure to check in or out could result in losing credit for the lab.

Only class-related work or instructor approved activities can be performed on the lab equipment. Unrelated web surfing, social media or other recreational use will result in removal from the lab. Repeated violations will result in disciplinary action.

Do not save files on the local machine. All files must be saved on an external or cloud drive such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc. Local machines are wiped when you sign out of the computer and files will be lost.

Food cannot be consumed at the workstations. Drinks must be in durable cups with a locking lid.

You may bring your own portable computer to the lab if there is space available. You must work from the designated tables. Rules for personal computers in the lab are the same for TSTC computers. If you would like to use TSTC's WiFi for non-class activities, you may access it from the break room or other public area.

Mastery Assessments must be completed in the lab. Although it is possible to perform some assessments outside of the lab (remotely), the results will not be honored and it will count as one of the attempts on the assessment.

Online Learning

Distance learning (also called online learning) presents a unique combination of opportunities and challenges. Synchronous class meetings are accomplished using video conferencing technologies that require access to computer, tablet, or smartphone with audio/video capabilities. It is the responsibility of the student to participate in live meetings as often as possible. When participation is not possible, the instructor may record meetings for later viewing. When you join a class meeting, you give the instructor your permission to record by your presence and by acknowledging this policy. When individual meetings are needed, please use the instructor's virtual office hours as much as possible. If that is not possible, schedule a meeting with the instructor using messaging or email.

Instructor Virtual Community

In each of your Canvas courses you will find a link to the CNS virtual community. 

FAQ: 

What's this for?

You can connect to the virtual community to have real-time conversations with the program’s instructors.

You can ask questions about course materials, processes, assignments, etc.  

You can troubleshoot all kinds of problems with the help of faculty.

You can stop by just to say, hi!

How do I connect?

Login to GMail from the student portal.

If you connect using an account that is not your TSTC assigned account, the connection may be rejected.

In the same browser, login to Canvas from the student portal.

Follow the link from Canvas.

Do I have to?

Using the virtual community is 100% for your benefit but it is usually not a course requirement.

Students who participate in the virtual community perform better in class than those who do not.