Whenever there are concerns about student performance, there are a variety of ways to address the situation. Some approaches are more productive than others. Use what you have learned about best practices and higher education organizations to respond to the following scenario:Scenario:The Provost has just been informed that the success rate for students taking College Algebra has fallen from 57% to 48%—a 9% drop in one year. This is a matter of grave concern since College Algebra is a gatekeeper course; in other words, all students must successfully complete it in order to obtain a degree, but it typically suffers from a low pass rate.There are five College Algebra instructors. Three are full-time; two are adjuncts. The instructors’ teaching styles, interaction with students, and use of active learning strategies vary considerably.The Provost needs to do something to reverse the downward trend as soon as possible and she comes to you for advice on how to use the data to stimulate positive change (as opposed to finger-pointing).By Day 3Post your recommendations about how to use the data to increase the College Algebra pass rate. Present a strategy for accomplishing your goal without alienating or antagonizing faculty members. Required ReadingsArticle: Jankowski, N. A., Timmer, J. D., Kinzie, J., & Kuh, G. D. (2018). Assessment that matters: Trending toward practices that document authentic student learning. Urbana, IL: University of Illinois and Indiana University, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA), Retrieved from http://www.learningoutcomesassessment.org/document...Ewell, P. T. (2001). Accreditation and student learning outcomes: A proposed point of departure (Occasional paper). Washington, DC: Council for Higher Education Accreditation.Article: McClenney, K. M., McClenney, B. N., & Peterson, G. F. (2007). A culture of evidence: What is it? Do we have one?. Planning for Higher Education, 35(3), 26–33. Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20110105092630/http://...©2007 Society for College and University Planning. Used with permission from Society for College and University Planning via The Copyright Clearance Center.Article: Johnstone, R., & Hasson, C. (2010). BRIC technical assistance program inquiry guide: Assessing strategic intervention points in student services. Retrieved from http://www.rpgroup.org/BRIC/InquiryGuide/StudentSe...

Case Study of a Criminal Offender Part 1Competencies Addressed in This DiscussionThis discussion addresses the following competencies: Competency 1: Apply theoretical perspectives to motives for criminal behavior. Competency 4: Apply scholarly research findings to topics in criminal psychology. Competency 5: Explain mental health testing and standards applicable in criminal courts. IntroductionIn this discussion, you will explore a case study of a well-known criminal offender and prepare for an assignment based on the same offender in the next unit. You may select a case from the following high-profile individuals: Susan Smith. Jeffrey Dahmer. Andrea Yates. All three used the insanity defense. The unit readings include articles concerning all three offenders. Choose the offender you want to focus on and read the articles provided. Include the name of the offender you have chosen to discuss in your subject line of your main post.InstructionsResearch your selected case. In your main post: Describe briefly the charges against the individual. Discuss the psychological theories relevant to the case. For example, are there biological, developmental, or environmental factors that could be applied to his or her criminal behavior? Describe how psychological assessments or evaluations were used in the criminal proceedings. Support your ideas with professional and scholarly resources.Discussion ObjectivesThe competencies addressed in this discussion are supported by discussion objectives, as follows: Competency 1: Apply theoretical perspectives to motives for criminal behavior. Discuss the psychological theories relevant to the case. For example, are there biological, developmental, or environmental factors that could be applied to his or her criminal behavior? Competency 4: Apply scholarly research findings to topics in criminal psychology. Support your ideas with professional and scholarly resources. Competency 5: Explain mental health testing and standards applicable in criminal courts. Describe how psychological assessments or evaluations were used in the criminal proceedings. Response GuidelinesAfter completing your main post, respond to at least two other learners' posts during the discussion week. Please note that to earn full credit for your discussion, you must participate on two separate days and make a minimum of one post on each of those two days. Comment on themes raised in the posts and pose questions to move the discussion forward.Be sure to reply to at least one learner who addressed a different criminal offender than the one you chose. All three offenders ended up with insanity defenses. Compare how the path taken by the defense in your choice was different from or similar to your peer's choice.Resources PSYC Discussion Participation Scoring Guide.