Core Competencies

The ultimate goal of the assessment model is for every Community College of Philadelphia graduate to demonstrate competency in the core competencies through their cumulative learning experiences in required general education and major courses. Seven competencies were derived from the original five delineated in the assessment model.

Community College of Philadelphia Core Competencies

Effective Communication: Students will be able to make a written, oral or visual presentation that demonstrates comprehension of any source of information and that addresses the assigned topic, expresses a thesis, develops a sustained focus on the central idea, organizes ideas around the thesis and uses correct diction, syntax, usage, grammar and mechanics.

Critical Thinking: Students will actively reflect on, reason about and form independent judgments on a variety of ideas and information, and will use these skills to guide their beliefs and actions.

Information Literacy: Students will be able to retrieve, organize, analyze and evaluate information using both technological and traditional means.

Quantitative Reasoning: Students will demonstrate an understanding of mathematical principles and will apply them to theoretical and practical issues.

Scientific Reasoning: Students will demonstrate an understanding of scientific principles and will apply them to theoretical and practical issues.

Responsible Citizenship: Students will demonstrate self-management and integrity in their role as a student relative to other students, faculty, staff and administrators, and an awareness of the responsibilities of informed citizenship in a diverse and pluralistic society, including an understanding of diverse perspectives.

Technological Competence: Technological competence is the ability to use computers and related technology in school, at work and at home, including word processing software, electronic spreadsheets, library information systems and social networking software. Students will also be able to create and share Web pages, connect personal computers to related equipment, such as printers, cell phones, PDAs and digital cameras, and to a wireless computer network, and demonstrate an understanding of common ethical, privacy and security issues related to the use of information technology systems.

Faculty committees are developing assessment measures for each core competency, including rubrics. Each competency will be assessed on a rotating schedule.

Core Competencies Assessment Plan.