Curriculum Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ACAP?

Austin Competency Analysis Profile (ACAP) is a process to identify occupationally specific competencies for a program. Subject matter experts, people who actually do the job, participate in the process. See our ACAP section on our home page for more details.

How can an ACAP help with my program?

The ACAP report provides a well-developed list of competencies that subject matter experts have determined are necessary in an entry-level employee. These competencies can be aligned with WECM CIP codes and descriptions for an entire program in about 2 hours. The competencies can help to write curriculum specific to the Austin area industry needs and better equip students for entry-level positions. The competencies are written in very clear, measurable, observable terms making it easier to assess students.

What is required of my department to have an ACAP performed?

Click on the "Request an ACAP" link on our home page. Complete the form and submit it. We will contact you to discuss the details. Your major commitment will consist of providing this office a spot on the next advisory committee agenda. We will do a short presentation and solicit participants for the ACAP session. We do the work, write the report and work with you to align the competencies with WECM or write and revise curriculum as needed.

How is competency based instruction relative to my curriculum?

Competency based curriculum allows the student to know in advance, what will determine his/her competency in a course. The competency based approach will assess the students' performance with real workplace skills. Competencies are well defined, measurable, observable and relative to "real world" situations.

What is WIDS or the Basic WIDS workshop?

WIDS (Worldwide Instructional Design System) is software developed by educators for educators. This software is designed specifically for the application of competency based instruction. Workshops in Basic WIDS are offered at least once every quarter or can be requested by departments as the need arises. Visit WIDS website at www.wids.org for more information on this software.

How can WIDS help with curriculum development?

WIDS can be used to develop curriculum for a course or an entire program and allows flexibility for instructional differences and preferences. Some of the advantages to using WIDS include:

reports and forms such as scoring guides for assessments, syllabi, and outcome summaries can be automatically generated
libraries of assessment and learning activities provide suggestions to help make practice activities and performance assessments address all learning styles and group sizes
user friendly reminders guide curriculum development to ensure proper development of curriculum, keeping the focus on the learner and the competencies he/she needs to accomplish.
curriculum is easy to update or revise
programs using WIDS will have consistent documents and formats throughout the program

Why are the WIDS workshops so long?

WIDS workshops award 18 hours of professional development. These 18 contact hours allow time to learn the many tools available in the software and practice with each element. WIDS workshop participants leave with real curriculum developed.

Are there any options to the 3-day workshops for WIDS?

No options to the 3-day workshop are currently available. We hope to offer a hybrid workshop that will have some elements of the training on-line and require fewer face to face hours this spring, 2004. The 3 days can be spread out over 6 half days, 3 Fridays, or any other format that will meet the needs of your department.

How can the instructional development office help with a program?

Please visit the previous page for a list of the services we offer. We will be glad to provide consultation with any curriculum or program revision issues including such topics as curriculum integration, SCANS skills, WECM alignments, and competency based instruction (to name a few).

How can WorkKeys be used with a program?

Please visit the ACT website for more details. WorkKeys are included in ACAP reports and are aligned with an assessment for the skills associated with each report. Students can be pre or post tested in these academic skill areas. The assessment scores can be used to individualize instruction and provide students with an additional credential of their academic ability as it relates to a specific occupation.

What programs have used the ACAP to develop curriculum or revise programs?

Please take a look at the list of ACAP reports by using the link on our curriculum development page.

What is WECM?

The Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM) includes all workforce courses. They are listed CIP codes, subjects, course titles, programs, etc. Background and purpose of the WECM is given in the fourth chapter of the GIPWE . Both of these guides are available at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Site at http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/ctc/ip/wecm2000/index.htm.

What is GIPWE?

The Guidelines for Instructional Programs in Workforce Education includes everything you need to know about workforce education programs. A copy of the GIPWE can be viewed at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Site http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/pdf/0394.pdf.

What do I do to revise my program?

Program revision information for THECB can be found in chapter 6 of the GIPWE http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/pdf/0394.pdf and ACC internal requirements can be viewed on the "Program Revision Information" page.