Paralegal Student Learning Outcomes · PDF fileParalegal Program -Course Student Learning Outcomes ... Benchmark Actual Level of Action Plan Time Interval : ... score 70% or score

Paralegal

Student Learning Outcomes

Fall 2016

FDTC Curriculum Map

Program: Paralegal

Course# Course Title Credits Hours Program General

Lecture Lab Outcomes Education

Outcomes

ENG 101 English Composition I 3 3 0 3 General Education Outcomes

ENG 102 English composition II 3 3 0 1. Quantitative Literacy

PSY 201 General Psychology 3 :

3 0 2,5 2. Oral Communication

MAT 155 Contemporary 3 3 0 4,6 3. Written Communication

PHI 110 Ethics 3 3 0 5 4. Reading Comprehension

Elective Humanities/Fine Arts 3 3 0 5. Information Literacy

6. Critical Thinking

LEG 120 Torts 3 3 0 2,3,5

LEG 121 Business Law I 3 3 0 2,3,5 Program Outcomes

CPT 170 Micro Computer Applications 3 3 0 1. Demonstrate an

understanding of what a

paralegal is, what a paralegal' does, where paralegals work,

what is expected of a

professional paralegal, and the

fields where paralegals are

utilized.

LEG 135 Introduction to Law and Ethics 3 3 0 1 2. Locate and analyze relevant

primary and secondary legal

sources in electronic and print

media- computer assisted

legal research {Westlaw or

Lexis), and legal writing.

LEG 213 Family Law 3 3 0 1,2,3,4,5,6 3. Utilize the critical thinking

abilities necessary to operatein the legal profession.

LEG 231 Criminal Law 3 3 0 3,4,5 4. Use oral and written skills to

communicate with

participants throughout the

legal process-differences

between legal writing and

other forms of writing.

LEG 233 Wills, Trusts, and Probate 3 3 0 2,3,4,5,6 5. Demonstrate an

understanding of the

significant similarities and

differences among areas of

civil, criminal, and

administrative law.

LEG 132 Legal Bibliography 3 3 0 2,7 6. Demonstrate an ability to

work in a legal environment.

LEG 201 Civil Litigation 3 3 0 2,3,4,5,6 7. Be familiar with the

common software programs

used in law offices, criminal

justice agencies.

LEG 214 Property Law 3 3 0 1,3,4,5,6,7

LEG 222 Constitutional Law 3 3 0 5

LEG 230 Legal Writing 3 3 0 2,3,4

LEG 236 Advanced Legal Writing 3 3 0 2,4,6

LEG 232 Law Office Management 3 3 0 7

LEG 242 Law Practice Workshop 3 1 8 6,7

LEG 244 Special Projects for Paralegals 3 1 8 6,7

LEG 216 Administrative Law 3 3 0 4,5

Total Credits: 69

COURSE

LEG 132

LEG 214

LEG 233

Paralegal Program - Course Student Learning Outcomes

OUTCOMES

1. Develop a working knowledge of law and research terminology.

2. Demonstrate the ability to apply the concepts of legal research to find the law.

3. Develop an appreciation of the complexity and subtlety of the law.

4. Develop a certain degree of self-confidence in the ability to research the law.

1. Develop a working knowledge of the terms used in property Law, Title searches, and Real

Estate transactions.

2. Develop a working knowledge of legal principals of property Law, Title searches, and Real

estate Transactions.

3. Develop an appreciation for the important and often complex substantive Legal Issues

involved in Property Law and Real Estate transactions.

4. Demonstrate the ability to perform the task in conducting a Title examination and reviewing a

title examination report.

1. Develop a working knowledge of legal terminology in the area.

2. Display the ability to draft documents in the specific legal area.

3. Develop an appreciation of the complexity of wills, trust, and estate planning.

4. Develop a certain degree of self- confidence in the ability to prepare a will, a trust instrument

. ·' .,

.

1 Partial List

••

AAS.LEG Paralegal Program Outcome 2

2016FA LEG 132 Analyze

primary and secondary

sources of law

2016FA L:EG-132;Utilize online

legal-databases

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70

88.0

Course Benchmark Achieved? I···> .Exfeecf

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70 70 70

84.0 82.0 90.0

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AAS.LEG Paralegal Program Outcome 1

80 80 80 80

70 70 90 100

85.0 91.0 91.0

Course Benchmark Achieved?

Florence-Darlington Technical College LEG Program

Assessment-Systematic Evaluation Plan

Course Category: l:8l Traditional D Hybrid/Blended D Online D Web Facilitated D Dual Enrollment D DL

Program Student Learning Outcome: 1. Locate and analyze relevant primary and secondary legal sources in electronic and print media-computer assisted legal research (Westlaw or

Lex.is), and legal writing.

Course Course Student Number Learning Outcome

LEG student will

perform significant LEG132 legal research utilizing

online legal database.

LEG student will LEG 132 prepare correct legal

citation format as I

required by The Bluebook

LEG student will LEG 132 complete several

assignments that require both primary and secondary law auulication.

SEP(Data Collection V2) 9-2016

Assessment Method Summative-

Students were

assigned 6 Westlaw Paralegal Certification modules

Formative Students were given Citation Exercises, which utilized the accepted legal

citation format.

Formative-Students were given assignments which assessed their knowledge of

Benchmark Actual Level of Action Plan Time Interval :. ..

Achievement

80% of the 90% ofthe Continue to implement Weeks 14-15 students will students Paralegal Certification score 70% or successfully assignment and focus on higher on the obtained all 6 Westlaw instruction. modules. Paralegal

Certificates.

80% ofthe 89% of the Identify the areas of Weekll students will students made a legal citations where score 70% or score of 82 % or students were weak. higher on the higher. (A VG Add additional in-class modules 87%) group assignments.

80% of the 88% ofthe Incorporate online Weeks3-6 students will students made a tutorial sources. score 70% or score of 81 % or higher. higher.


-

primary and

secondary law

resources.

Florence-Darlington Technical College LEG Program

Assessment-Systematic Evaluation Plan

Course Category: � Traditional D Hybrid/Blended D Online D Web Facilitated D Dual Enrollment D DL

1 . Program Student Learning Outcome: Demonstrate an understanding of what a paralegal is, what a paralegal does, where paralegals work,

what is expected of a professional paralegal, and the fields where paralegals are utilized.

Course Course Student Number Learning Outcome

LEG214 Student will perform legal work that identifies property. EX. Vignettes that distinguish between real and personal property.

Student will complete LEG214 essay tests that

addresses the different forms of property ownership

Student will complete LEG233 a Wills Notebook

which consists of 13 different projects that cover Wills, Trusts and the Probate process


Assessment Method Formative-Students were given various assignments were they demonstrated knowledge of personal and real property. Summative - An exam was given that required demonstration of the knowledge of different forms of property ownership. Summative - A final project was given that required a demonstration of the wills and probate process.

Benchmark Actual Level of Action Plan Time Interval Achievement

80% of the 95% of the Introduce additional 2020 students will students made a online sources that score 70% or grade of 86 % or explain the property higher. higher. law.

80% of the 85% of the Have the students 2020 students will students scored complete a pre-test and score 70% or 73% or higher. post-test to gauge higher. (AVG. 86%) knowledge areas.

80% of the 100% of the Continue to have 2020 students will students scored students' complete score 70% or 75% or higher. practical assignments. higher. (AVG. 91%)

LEG 233 Student will complete

appropriate legal

paperwork required in

estate planning. EX.

Drafting of wills and

durable powers of

attorney


Formative Students were given assignment to draft legal document to draft wills, trusts and durable powers of attorney.

80% of the 90% of the Continue to have --

2020 students will students scored students' complete score 70% or 72 % or higher. practical assignments. higher. (AVG. 83)

Florence-Darlington Technical College Assessment-Systematic Evaluation Plan Detailed Report

Course Name: LEG 132 - Legal Bibliography [Arts and Sciences Division]

Faculty: Tracy Evans

Semester(s) Reported: Fall 2016

Course Category: � Traditional D Hybrid/Blended D Online D Web Facilitated D Dual

Enrollment D DL

Program Student Learning Outcome: Locate and analyze relevant primary and secondary legal sources in electronic and print media-computer assisted legal research (Westlaw), and legal writing.

Course Student Learning Outcome: The ability to apply the concepts of legal research to find the law.

Analysis of Results:

Strength in student performances:

Students were able to show an understanding of the underlying principles of the subject matter. The practical assignments allowed faculty to observe their research, writing and analytical skills.

Weaknesses in student performances: It became apparent that some students were more comfortable with online research.

Recommended Action(s): .J .,

Continue to focus on the research process by adding more online research projects (Westlaw).

When Action will be implemented:

Fall 2017

D t C a a omnarison:

Measurement Instrument Formative

Students were given

assignments

which assessed

their knowledge

of primary and

SEP(Summary)V2

9-2016

2016 Sprine- Startup Benchmark

88% of the students made a score of 81 % or higher;

20 20_ 20

Benchmark Benchmark Benchmark

secondary law

resources.

90% of the Summative- students

Students were successfully

required to obtain obtained all 6

6Westlaw Paralegal

Paralegal Certificates.

Certification

**Note Benchmark based on National Pass rate of boards.

Impact of Changes Implemented As a Result of Previous Assessment Cycle:

SEP(Summary)V2

9-2016


Course Name: LEG 214 -Property Law [Arts & Sciences Division]



Course Category: lg) Traditional D Hybrid/Blended D Online D Web Facilitated D Dual

Enrollment D DL

Program Student Learning Outcome: Demonstrate an understanding of what a paralegal is, what a paralegal does, where paralegal works, what is expected of a professional paralegal, and the fields where paralegals are utilized.

Course Student Learning Outcome: Student will perform legal work that identifies property. EX.

Vignettes that distinguish between real and personal property.


Strength in student performances: Students demonstrated a working knowledge of property law. They were able to distinguish the different categories of property and different types of property ownership. Students completed practical assignments ----drafting deeds, property descriptions and closing process.

Weaknesses in student performances: Some students had issues with the complexity of the closing process.

Recommended Action(s):

1. Introduce additional online sources that explain the property law.2. Have the students complete a pre-test and post-test to gauge knowledge areas.3. Continue to require practical assignments.


Fall 2017

D t C a a omoanson:

Measurement Instrum.ent Formative

Student will

perform legal

SEP(Summary)VZ

9-2016

2016 Spring- Startup Benchmark

95% of the students made a

20

Benchmark

20

Bei;ichmark

20

Bench.mark

work that

identifies

property. EX.

Vignettes that

distinguish

between real and

personal

property.

Summative -

Student will

complete essay

tests that

addresses the

different forms of

property

ownership

grade of 86% or higher.

85% of the students scored 73% or higher. (AVG.86%)



SEP{Summary)V2

9-2016


Course Name: Wills, Trusts and Probate



[Arts and Sciences Division)

Course Category: igj Traditional D Hybrid/Blended D Online D Web Facilitated D Dual

Enrollment D DL

Program Student Learning Outcome: Demonstrate an understanding of what a paralegal is, what a paralegal does, where paralegal works, what is expected of a professional paralegal, and the fields where paralegals are utilized.

Course Student Learning Outcome: Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the

probate process through document preparation.


Strength in student performances: Students were able to show an understanding of the underlying principles of the subject matter. The practical assignments allowed faculty to observe their writing and analytical skills.

Weaknesses in student performances: Some students had less understanding of the probate process than other students. Faculty observed that the procedural process seemed more complicated to them.

Recommended Action(s):

Faculty will continue to require practical assignments in the course. Faculty will adjust topic schedule to allow for more coverage of the probate process.


Fall 2017

D C ata omoarison:

Measurement Instrument Formative -Student will complete a Wills

SEP(Summary)V2

9-2016

2016 Sprine- Startup Benchmark

100% of the students scored

20 20_ 20

Benchmark Benchmark Benchmark

Notebook which

consists of 13

different projects

that cover Wills,

Trusts and the

Probate process

Summative

Student will

complete

appropriate legal

paperwork

required in estate

planning. EX.

Drafting of wills

and durable

powers of

attorney

75% or higher. (AVG.91%)

90% of the students scored 72 % or higher. (AVG. 83)



SEP(Summary)V2

9-2016

Department/Program

Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

Program Outcomes

)> Students will demonstrate understanding of what a paralegal is, what a paralegal does, where paralegals work, what is expected of a professional paralegal, and the fields where paralegals are utilized.

)> Students will demonstrate a knowledge of the SC Code of Professional Responsibility as it applies to paralegals.

)> Locate and analyze relevant primary and secondary legal sources in electronic and print media-computer assisted legal research (Westlaw or Lexis), and legal writing.

)> Graduates will understand the legal concepts and terminology in substantive areas of the law studied (property law).

)> Graduates will prepare, draft and produce legal documents, including pleadings and other court documents, wills, corporate documents, or real estate documents.

)> Graduates will utilize the critical thinking abilities necessary to operate in the legal profession.

)> Use oral and written skills to

communicate with participants throughout the legal process, differences between legal writing and other forms of writing.

)> Demonstrate an ability to

work in a legal environment.

Outcome Categories

1

1

2

3

5

3

4

6

Curriculum

Mapping

LEG 135

LEG 135

LEG 132

LEG 214

LEG 233

LEG 230 and LEG 236

LEG 213

LEG 242

How will SLO's be Measured? When will SLO'S be

Measured?

Who will

Measure SLO's? 1 Reporting

LEG student will perform assignments that identify paralegals and the skills needed in the field. EX. Learning lab assignments on Mindtap. LEG student will I Fall and Spring 2016-2017

interview Paralegals working in the legal field.

Student will complete vignettes that show ethical issues that arise in the legal field. Students will take the NALA Ethics practice exam.

Students will complete 6 Westlaw Paralegal Certification modules. LEG student will prepare correct legal citation format as required by The Bluebook

Student will complete essay tests that addresses the different forms of property ownership.

Student will complete a Wills Notebook

Fall and Spring 2016-2017

Fall and Spring 2016-2017

which consists of 13 different projects that I Fall 20160i0lS cover Wills, Trusts and the Probate process

LEG student will draft and prepare legal memorandums with emphasis on legal precedents

Instructor for course






LEG student draft pleadings of family court issues (i.e. divorce) to be filed in Family Court

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Instructor for

LEG student will complete 120 hours in an internship settin

course

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}> Be familiar with the common software programs used in law offices and criminal justice agencies.

7 LEG 232 Students will complete projects using various legal software programs

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Documents

Paralegal Student Learning Outcomes · PDF fileParalegal Program -Course Student Learning Outcomes ... Benchmark Actual Level of Action Plan Time Interval : ... score 70% or score