Students who apply to the college take placement tests to determine if they need transitional courses to become college-ready. Students whose reading skills do not meet the requirement for college-level work take transitional or developmental classes to bring their reading skills up to par. A recent re-design of preparatory courses in Reading makes it possible for students to transition into credit-bearing classes more quickly.

The Modular Reading Program recently was recognized with a national award for Curricular and Program Innovation from the National Council of Instructional Administrators (NCIA).

The Modular Reading Program has restructured transitional Reading instruction at Carroll. Whereas classes have always been taught in the traditional format in which students were taught the same materials and moved at the same pace, the new format allows students to work on specific skill areas and to work at their own pace. Methods of instruction are individualized to meet student needs.

Before the re-design, the Reading program consisted of two levels or courses which could take students a year to complete before being allowed to take credit-bearing classes. In the new format, the program has been divided into a sequence of six modules, each of which covers a particular reading skill. Because the modules are individualized, students may now work at their own pace and need take only those modules that address the skills they need to improve upon. Students can save both time and money as a result.

“This Modular Reading Program is both innovative and creative in its delivery format, which focuses on individual skill-building,” said Assistant Professor Magdeleine Vandal, who initiated the program. “Other higher education institutions can replicate the re-design. Feedback from students and instructors has been positive, and early data regarding student success looks promising,” she said.

“I am pleased that the excellent work of our faculty members has received national accolades,” said College President Dr. Faye Pappalardo. “This award is a testament to the cutting-edge approach which Carroll uses in instruction.”

“As a national organization, NCIA promulgates and recognizes best practices in teaching and instruction within community colleges in the U.S.A,” said Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. James Ball. “It is quite gratifying to see that the innovative thinking and excellent performance of Magdeleine Vandal and our Reading faculty have gained national acclamation. The college has always acknowledged their competence but this level of validation is a wonderful recognition. I am thrilled for them and very proud of their accomplishments.”

NCIA granted the award to Carroll in recognition of “an exemplary initiative which reflects innovative, effective approaches to fulfill the instructional mission of community colleges.” Each year, community colleges submit a variety of best practices that correspond to five award categories. The winning institutions were recognized at an awards luncheon on April 10, 2013 in Jacksonville, Florida.

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