6 CAR § 368-103 – Program standards

(a)
1. (1) A minimum of three (3) major programs which meet the standards for the associate of applied science degree requirements as established by the Career Education and Workforce Development Board and by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
2. (2) Major programs may have more than one (1) option, specialization, or concentration but specific course requirements for each option shall be clearly specified.
3. (3) Primary emphasis in the major program shall reflect the technology and/or management practices of contemporary business/industry and programs shall be approved prior to application for "Technical Institute" status.
(b) Programs will be directed toward those technologies most directly related to the:
1. (1) Recruiting of new industries;
2. (2) Retention and service to existing industries; and
3. (3) Expansion and retooling of existing industries.
(c) Program characteristics shall include those outlined in the definition for technical education as established by the appropriate governing authority including an understanding of:
1. (1) Systems;
2. (2) Ties to local business/industry;
3. (3) Computer-based literacy; and
4. (4) Industry standard applications.
(d) Programs shall contain the appropriate mathematics, basic sciences, communications, and computer fundamentals inherent to the technologies.
(e) Program curricula shall include appropriateness, rigor, and ability of major degree program or programs and breadth of supporting academic programs (core curriculum).
(f)
1. (1) Programs will be structured to meet or exceed the accreditation standards as established by the appropriate professional accrediting agency referred to in the institutional criteria.
2. (2) Emphasis shall also be given to those programs certified by national, regional, and state certified/licensing authorities such as:
  1. (A) The National Automotive Education Foundation;
  2. (B) The Educational Foundation of the Data Processing Management Association;
  3. (C) The Associated General Contractors;
  4. (D) The Child Development Associate; and
  5. (E) Others.
3. (3) Primary emphasis in the major program shall reflect the technology and/or management practices of contemporary industry.
(g)
1. (1) The AAS occupational curriculum guide and generalized example in credit hours as recommended by the National Council for Occupational Education shall be used in assessing program curricula.
2. (2) See Exhibit 1.
(h) Programs must provide evidence of appropriate sequencing of coursework in each major program to ensure that concepts covered in beginning level coursework are applied in advanced level courses.
(i) Programs may have multiple exit-re-entry points which represent flexible components of the AAS degree program that may be converted into the full degree.
(j) The organization and scheduling of instruction and classes shall allow adequate time for completion of appropriate homework assignments and laboratory problem-solving activities.
(k) Programs are part of an expansive and universal definition and categorization of occupational education that conveys a positive image and shall follow the classification of instructional programs as outlined by the National Center for Education Statistics which allows for a standard terminology for reporting data.