Lansing Community College’s Automotive Technology Program Program of Study
INTRODUCTION
Lansing Community College currently offers an Automotive Technology Program. This program is certified by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation). NATEF’s mission is to evaluate
technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry and recommend qualifying programs for certification (accreditation) by ASE, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.1
The purpose of this report is to outline the processes and mechanisms whereby Lansing Community College has developed a Program of Study which satisfies the requirements outlined by the Carl D.Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006. The following team and resources were used to develop this report.
Team: Jim Pitts, Kathy Shell Resources:
Marv Argersinger, Lead Faculty, LCC Automotive Technology Program Toni Glasscoe, Advancement/Ext Affairs Adm
Deb Logsdon, K-12 Initiatives & Career Preparation
Ralph Hansen, Associate Superintendent, Eaton Intermediate School District (EISD)
Laura Percival, Principal, EISD Career Preparation Center
Stewart Woollard, Mike Wightman, LCC EISD Automotive Instructors LCC Counseling Services
Kathy Burgis, LCC Mathematics Chair
Bill Kersten and Daryl Parks, Bob Rodriguez, NATEF Bill Morlock, Capital Area Career Center (CACC),
Keith Miller, LCC Institutional Effectiveness / Research (IER)
Dave Rothermel – Chairman of LCC Automotive Advisory Committee Sherry Bradish and Matt Roda – Mott Community College
NATEF website
NATEF Integrated Academic Skills Guide – English, Math, Science copyright 2007
1 http://www.natef.org/
STEP 1 – INTAKE AND ASSESSMENT TO ENTER THE LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
All LCC Automotive Technology courses are based on NATEF standards which includes specific tasks. Although there are no skill requirements to enter LCC’s Automotive Technology Program, we wondered what academic skills the NATEF tasks were based on. After doing some investigation on the NATEF website and then calling NATEF, we found a book entitled NATEF Academic Integrated Skills. According to the NATEF Academic Integrated Skills book nearly every task level is between a 9-12 grade level (See Appendix A). This NATEF publication includes a listing of applied academic skills for automotive technicians, sequenced in the order of applied
communications, mathematics, and science. Each matrix is divided into three columns. The first column reflects a NATEF identified applied academic task with a numerical designation for reference purposes. The second
column lists the national standards for English, mathematics, or science that correlates to the respective NATEF applied academic skill. All of the
correlated national standards apply to grades nine through twelve.
Occasionally, there will be no national standard correlate for a NATEF applied academic skill because if there was a national standard correlate, it was appropriate at less than the ninth grade level. The third column designates what automotive specialty area/s the applied academic skill is applicable. 2
We were looking for some history and validity on this book i.e. how was it complied, by who, when, etc. so we had a conference call on May 10, 2010 with Bill Kersten from NATEF and Darrell Parks who is currently a consultant to NATEF—both were instrumental in the development and publication of NATEF Academic Integrated Skills. We learned that much of the information reflected in this document builds upon two earlier NATEF publications, the 2005 ASE Certification for Automobile Training Programs manual and the 1996 Applied Academic and Workplace Skills for Automobile Technicians manual. Using the services of a national jury of experts comprised of
veteran automotive technology instructors and secondary education applied, English, math, and science teachers, each automotive task identified in the above-referenced certification manual was scrutinized for academic
implications and imbedded academic content. In other words, the jurists identified the essential communication, math, or science skills associated with the successful performance of a given automotive task.
Once the academic content had been determined in terms of learner tasks or skills, they were stated in a format similar to the NATEF automotive tasks
and referred to as applied academic skills, organized to their respective academic disciplines. The end result is a list of communications, math, and science skills required of an automotive technician to perform successfully in his/her craft/trade.
It is the hope that secondary school administrators, curriculum planners, academic and automotive teachers and instructional resource developers find the information in the NATEF Academic Integrated Skills document helpful in a course of study design for automotive technology and applied academic endeavors.
High school students who enroll in the Automotive Technology Program are required to follow the Automotive Technician curricula outlined by the
Michigan Center for Career and Technical Education (MCCTE) located at Ferris State University. Based on the ASE Certification for Automobile Training Programs document administered by National Automotive
Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) published 2008 all high school Automotive students must take Electrical/Electronics Systems as one of the specialty areas of instruction.3
Electrical & Electronics Systems and Brakes
The teacher selects the two certification areas that they will deliver. The areas are:
Electrical & Electronics Systems and Steering and Suspension Electrical & Electronics Systems and Engine Performance
STEP 2 – ACADEMIC STANDARDS.
The gateway course for all LCC Automotive Technology courses is AUTO 100 Automotive Service I. This course is intended to provide the student with an extensive orientation to an automotive repair facility while developing tool and equipment usage skills needed to advance in the automotive repair field. AUTO 100 is not a NATEF course at this time, but teaches the fundamentals and safety essential for all other AUTO courses.
The academic standards and assessments applied to LCC’s AUTO 100 gateway course are outlined below:
The current prerequisite for AUTO 100 is passing LCC’s Accuplacer tests in the following areas and levels:
Reading Level 3 which is 8th-9th grade
Writing Level 2 which is 3rd-5th grade Math Level 3 which is 7th-8th grade
Entry into the Automotive Technology Program
There are different avenues for entry into Lansing Community College’s (LCC) Automotive Technology Program.
Eaton Intermediate School District
Lansing Community College has a partnership with the Eaton Intermediate School District (EISD). High school juniors and seniors are able to enroll in LCC programs and receive dual credit. The Automotive Technology Program is one of the EISD programs. High school students who enroll in the
Automotive Technology Program are required to follow the Automotive
Technician curricula outlined by the Michigan Center for Career and Technical Education (MCCTE) located at Ferris State University. This curriculum
includes standards based on the ASE Certification for Automobile Training Programs document administered by National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). There are four certification areas that can be delivered. The areas are:
Electrical & Electronics Systems Brakes
Steering and Suspension Engine Performance
Due to changes in Michigan Technical Standards, Electrical & Electronics Systems have been added to the Brakes curriculum for the EISD students starting in the fall of 2010. This includes three existing LCC courses which are:
AUTO 100 – Automotive Service I. This course is intended to provide the student with an extensive orientation to an automotive repair facility while developing tool and equipment usage skills needed to advance in the
automotive repair field. AUTO 100 is not a NATEF course at this time, but teaches the fundamentals and safety essential for all other AUTO courses. Prerequisite: Reading Level 3 and Writing Level 2 and Math Level 3
AUTO 110 – Automotive Electrical Theory. This course is designed for the typical automobile owner who wants to gain a better understanding of the automobile and be able to make some basic repairs. It will encompass an overview of servicing needs and factors related to vehicle safety. Students will be able to inspect their vehicles, make informed decisions on purchasing
vehicle products and services, and identify service items the owner might do themselves. Prerequisite: Minimum 2.0 in AUTO 100 or concurrently
AUTO 140 – Automotive Brakes. This course covers the diagnosis, service and repair of disc and drum standard anti-lock brake system problems
according to National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and manufacturer standards. Prerequisite: Minimum 2.0 in AUTO 110 or concurrently
Students entering the EISD Automotive Program are not required to take any basic skill assessment tests (prerequisites for AUTO 100) at this time. If an EISD student meets the NATEF requirements of AUTO 100, AUTO 110, and AUTO 140 at a 2.0 or better they receive LCC credit.
Ralph Hansen, Associate Superintendent for the Eaton Intermediate School District (EISD) said that EISD juniors must take Work Keys at their home school. We found no correlation between Work Keys scores and success in LCC’s Automotive Technology Program. We compared EISD ACT scores and found no correlation with success in LCC’s Automotive Technology Program. In 2008-2009 the following EISD students received LCC credit:
AUTO 100 – 17 out of 35 AUTO 140 – 10 out of 35
EISD students did not get LCC credit due to: low test scores, failure to do NATEF tasks, absences.
High School Articulation
LCC currently articulates courses in the Automotive Technology Program with four area high schools. Articulation means that the high school meets 80 percent of the LCC outcomes taught in each course that is articulated. A student will receive LCC credit for an articulated course if they pass the course with a 2.0 or better and if they enroll at LCC within a year of graduating from high school.4
4 http://www.lcc.edu/articulation/guidelines/
Automotive courses currently articulated include: AUTO 100 – Automotive Service I (Capital Area Career Center is submitting for articulation AUTO 100, 110, 130, 140, and 150). If a student articulates AUTO 100 and registers at LCC for the next automotive course, they are not required to take the Accuplacer basic skill assessment tests (prerequisites for AUTO 100) at this time.
High School No Articulation
Students from other high schools that may desire to enter LCC after taking one or two years of Automotive courses at their home schools must take the LCC Accuplacer tests and may apply for credit for AUTO 100 from the LCC Automotive Technology program director or by applying through LCC’s Counseling Services. If the prerequisites for AUTO 100 are waived, the
student will not have to take the Accuplacer basic skill assessment tests until they reach some of the Automotive 200 level courses.
LCC Registration - Adults
When a student registers at LCC for AUTO 100 – Automotive Service I
course, they are required to take the Accuplacer basic skill assessment tests and meet the following prerequisites: Reading Level 3 and Writing Level 2 and Math Level 3 before they are admitted to the course. AUTO 100 is the gateway course to nearly all of the other automotive courses. If the
prerequisites for AUTO 100 are waived, the student will not have to take the basic skill assessment tests until they reach some of the Automotive 200 level courses.
STEP 3 – OCCUPATIONAL/TECHNICAL STANDARDS
At this time there are no occupational skill entry requirements for the LCC Automotive Technology Program. The only requirement is to meet the academic prerequisites for AUTO 100- Automotive Service I.
LCC’s program is certified by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation). According to NATEF, today’s successful technician must possess an array of workplace skills and a unique blend of academic and technical skills.5 NATEF’s mission is to evaluate technician training
programs against standards developed by the automotive industry and recommend qualifying programs for certification (accreditation) by ASE, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. NATEF has certified automotive training programs at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. The motor vehicle repair industry has taken on a new sophistication. It requires advanced technical training and computer literacy. Today's
automotive technician must have:
thorough knowledge of automotive systems and components good computer skills
excellent communication skills
above average mechanical aptitude good reasoning ability
ability to read and follow instructions manual dexterity
Servicing today’s highly sophisticated automotive vehicle requires a unique blend of head and hand skills. The NATEF task lists identify the important manipulative skills that technicians must know and understand in order to be successful in their chosen vocation.
STEP 4 – CURRICULUM CROSSWALK Academic Crosswalk
This chart shows the academic skill required for entry into LCC’s AUTO 100 – Auto Service I course and the academic skills required for NATEF tasks
outline in the NATEF Integrated Academic Skills document.
Academic Prerequisites- LCC AUTO 100 NATEF Integrated Academic Skills Reading Level 3 (8th-9th grade) Communication Skills 9-12 grade Writing Level 2 (3rd-5th grade) Communication Skills 9-12 grade Math Level 3 (7th-8th grade) Math Skills 9-12 grade No Accuplacer for Science Science Skills
9-12 grade EISD Occupational Crosswalk
EISD high school students who enroll in the Automotive Technology Program are required to follow the Automotive Technician curricula outlined by the Michigan Center for Career and Technical Education (MCCTE) located at Ferris State University. Based on the ASE Certification for Automobile Training Programs document administered by National Automotive
Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) published 2008 all high school Automotive students must take Electrical/Electronics Systems as one of the specialty areas of instruction.
The teacher selects the two certification areas that they will deliver. The areas are:
Electrical & Electronics Systems and Brakes
Electrical & Electronics Systems and Engine Performance
LCC’s EISD Program will teach Electrical & Electronics Systems and Brakes starting with the 2010-11 school year.
Appendix B shows the Automotive Technician NATEF and Michigan Technical Standards for the EISD secondary education program crosswalk. Since
NATEF requires that the tasks taught at secondary and post secondary levels are the same, there are five skills gaps. (See Step 5 and Appendix B).
STEP 5 – ALIGN STANDARDS TO COLLEGE COURSEWORK
The results of our discovery in Step 4 are that there are five occupational gaps between the Michigan Center for Career and Technical Education (MCCTE) high school curriculum (specifically in the Electrical & Electronics area) and LCC’s Electrical/Electronic courses. The gaps are listed below and are covered in LCC’s Advanced Electrical/Electronic course (AUTO 210).
− Identify system voltage and safety precautions associated with high intensity discharge headlights.
− Diagnose incorrect heated glass, mirror, or seat operation; determine necessary actions.
− Diagnose supplemental restraint system (SRS) concerns; determine
necessary actions.
− Check for module communication (including CAN/BUS systems) using
scan tool.
− Diagnose the cause of false, intermittent, or no operation of anti-theft systems.
Even though we found no correlationbetween ACT scores, Work Key scores,
and Accuplacer scores with regards to success in LCC’s Automotive
Technology Program, we believe the basic academic skill standards should be raised so students will be able to understand the textbooks and other technical materials in order to build a solid foundation for all upcoming automotive courses.
Reading Level
We found the following basic academic information relating to the current AUTO 100 textbook. In identifying reading levels, we found a great
difference in the formulas that were used. For example, using the Flesch reading formula on the AUTO 100 Textbook (Modern Automotive
Technology, 7th edition) was grade 11.7. Using the “Word” reading level, the reading level for the same textbook was 10.5. The publisher stated that depending on the Chapter read, the reading level would vary from grade 9 to 14. So it looks like the 11.7 reading level we arrived at is in the ballpark. Since the reading level required to enter the AUTO 100 class is Reading Level 3 (8th – 9th grades), there appears to be a disparity in the required reading level and the Textbook reading level.
Math Level
The Math Level, as determined by Kathy Burgis, LCC Mathematics Chair, for the AUTO 100 textbook was determined to be between a Level 4-5 which is a 9th-10th grade math level. The current math level required to enter
AUTO100 is a Math Level 3.
Writing Level
After talking with Rick Reagan, Chair of LCC’s Writing Department, we determined that AUTO 100 should have a Writing Level 4 which would be a 10th-12th grade writing level.
We recommend changes to the following reading, math and writing levels:
Academic Prerequisites- LCC AUTO 100 – NATEF Integrated Academic Skills guide AUTO 100 LCC Textbook Analysis Recommendations Reading Level 3 (8th-9th grade) Communication Skills 9-12 grade 11.7 Flesch Reading Test Reading Level 4 Writing Level 2 (3rd-5th grade) Communication Skills 9-12 grade
Writing Level 4 Writing Level 4 Math Level 3 (7th-8th grade) Math Skills 9-12 grade Math Level 4-5 9th-10th grade Math Level 4 No Accuplacer for Science Science Skills
9-12 grade
Not determined None
In addition, we are recommending the following changes for entry into LCC’s Automotive Technology Program:
Eaton Intermediate School District
We recommend the basic skills Accuplacer tests be given to incoming all EISD students upon entering the Automotive Technology Program to determine if/where students are lacking. EISD staff will use Key Train to help students throughout the school year who do not meet the appropriate basic skill levels. In addition to passing all required NATEF tasks, EISD students must take and pass the basic skills Accuplacer tests at required levels in order to receive LCC credit.
High School Articulation
We recommend that AUTO 100- Automotive Service I be labeled a gatekeeper course and that all students who articulate credit to LCC’s Automotive Technology Program be required to take the basic skills Accuplacer tests when they enroll at LCC in the Automotive Technology Program.
High School No Articulation
We recommend that AUTO 100- Automotive Service I be labeled a gatekeeper course and that all students who enter LCC’s Automotive Technology Program be required to take the basic skills Accuplacer tests when they enroll at LCC in the Automotive Technology Program even if AUTO 100 has been waived.
LCC Registration - Adults
We recommend that AUTO 100- Automotive Service I be labeled a gatekeeper course and that all students who enter LCC’s Automotive Technology Program be required to take the basic skills Accuplacer tests when they enroll at LCC in the Automotive Technology Program even if AUTO 100 has been waived.
STEP 6 – PROGRAM OF STUDY
Lansing Community College
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM OF STUDY
Associate in Applied Science degree with articulations and transfers to bachelor programs
SUBJECT
(Michigan Merit curriculum)
9 10 11 12 SEM 1 SEM 2 SEM 3 SEM 4
English (4) English Language Arts 9 English Language Arts 10 English Language Arts 11 English Language Arts 12 AUTO 100 Auto Service I* AUTO 121 Automotive Transmissions I AUTO 120 Auto Drive Train
AUTO 235 Adv
Computer/ABS Brake System
Math ( 4) Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Additional
math course/math related AUTO 110 Auto Electrical Theory* AUTO 160 Auto Air Conditioning AUTO 122 Auto Transmissions II Lim. Ch. 1***
Science (3) Biology Chemistry One
additional science credit AUTO 130 Automotive Engines I * AUTO 210 Adv Electrical/Elect ronic AUTO 150 Auto Suspension & Steering Lim. Ch. 1*** Social Studies (4) World History and Geography U. S. History and Geography .5 credits Civics/.5 credits Economics AUTO 140 Automotive Brakes* AUTO 215 Engine Performance & Tune-up AUTO 225 Automotive Computers Lim. Ch. 2****
PE/Health (1) PE/Health WRIT 124
Technical Writing** (See Note 1) METM 190 Metallurgy & Heat Treatment** Lim. Ch. 1 *** Lim. Ch. 2**** Visual/Perfor ming & Applied Arts (1) Foreign Language (2) or equivalent ( class of 2016) Foreign Language 1 Foreign Language 2 On Line learning experience Feeder AUTO High School courses See below* Secondary Automotive Technology program Secondary Automotive Technology program
The intent of this draft is to demonstrate a plan where duplication of coursework is reduced and students may earn an associate degree.
*Possible ARTICULATED COURSES:
AUTO 100 – Automotive Service I (3 credits)
AUTO 110 – Automotive Electrical Theory (5 credits) AUTO 130 – Automotive Engines I (5 credits)
AUTO 140 – Automotive Brakes (3 credits)
AUTO 150 – Auto Steering & Suspension (3 credits)
This program is articulated with the bachelor’s degree program in Automotive Management to Ferris State University. This program is articulated with the bachelor’s degree program in Automotive Engineering Technology to Lawrence Technological University.
This program is articulated with the bachelor’s degree program in BAS Applied Science (Inverted Major) to Siena Heights University.
This program is transfer with the bachelor’s degree program in Automotive Engineering Technology to Ferris State University.
** Not all courses in this program transfer to all colleges. Students planning to transfer should see an academic advisor or counselor before enrolling in any course.
*** Lim. Ch. 1 -General Education Core (see curriculum guide)
**** Lim. Ch. 2 -Automotive Related (see curriculum guide)
Note 1: WRIT 124 requires a Reading Level 5 and a Writing Level 6. If a student does not pass the LCC Accuplacer
academic basic skill tests with a Reading Level 5 and a Writing Level 6, they will need to take remedial courses possibly READ 116 and WRIT 117.
STEP 7 – EXTERNAL CERTIFICATIONS
At the completion of LCC’s Automotive Technology classes and/or program, students may take the state of Michigan Mechanic Certification tests
(administered at LCC) and/or the ASE Mechanic certification tests. The completion of the Automotive Technology program results in an associate degree in applied science which can transfer or articulate to the following colleges or universities:
Bachelor’s degree program in Automotive Management to Ferris State University.
Bachelor’s degree program in Automotive Engineering Technology to Lawrence Technological University.
Bachelor’s degree program in BAS Applied Science (Inverted Major) to Siena Heights University.
Bachelor’s degree program in Automotive Engineering Technology to Ferris State University.
STEP 8 – SHARE WORK
Results of this Program of Study for the LCC Automotive Technology Program will be shared with the following:
LCC Technical Careers Dean
LCC Transportation and Engineering Technologies Program Coordinator Marv Argersinger, Lead Faculty, LCC Automotive Technology Program LCC Automotive Curriculum Committee
LCC Automotive Advisory Committee LCC Counseling Services
Toni Glasscoe, Advancement/Ext Affairs Adm
Ralph Hansen, Associate Superintendent, Eaton Intermediate School District (EISD)
Laura Percival, Principal, EISD Career Preparation Center Articulated High Schools
STEP 9 – ONGOING REVIEW
Based on the results of this Program of Study meetings will be held with the above LCC and EISD personnel to discuss what changes may be made to satisfy the academic and occupational gap analyses.
The information from this study will be presented to the Automotive Technology Advisory Committee for their recommendations for needed changes to satisfy any gaps.
A meeting will be held with articulated high schools to present information on academic and occupational gaps and a discussion will be held to get recommendations on how to close the gaps.
