HOUSTON (Oct. 24, 2008) – On September 12, 2008, the Visual Communications-Graphic Design Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree at Lone Star College-North Harris received program recognitions from the Texas Skill Standards Board (TSSB). The new program was recognized as being integrated with the national, industry-defined Digital Media Skill Standards
The skill standards enhanced program will benefit both employers and graduates. Graduates will gain the work competencies–skills, knowledge, and abilities–that employers have agreed are required for success in network administration positions. Employers in turn will gain a more qualified workforce.
The Digital Media Skill Standards define the knowledge and skills that are required for entry-level to more experienced employees in this information technology (IT) specialty area. The standards were developed nationwide through expert panels of IT workers representing 40 organizations, conducted in geographically diverse locations of the country with high concentrations of these workers. The draft standards were then validated by a random sample of 748 companies.
The National Workforce Center on Emerging Technologies (NCWCET) facilitated the skill standards development and validation process with funding from the National Science Foundation and the American Electronics Association. The NWCET is located at Bellevue Community College in Washington State.
The Visual Communications-Graphic Design Degree program’s industry advisory committee, which consists of representatives from 23 companies such as Spotlight Creative, LLC, Paradigm Communications, Inc., Crane Graphic Design, Epic Software, Silver Rock Productions and others endorsed the curriculum changes.
Kay Pallavicini, LSC-North Harris visual communications professor, participated in the effort to integrate the skill standards into the program, along with the faculty of two other Lone Star College System campuses at Cy-Fair and Kingwood. “It was very important to have been part of this process and we are thrilled to receive the skills standards recognition. As graduates of a TSSB renowned program, employers can be confident that our students meet the industry’s high tech proficiencies,” says Pallavicini. “We are also appreciative of our community advisory board’s support and assistance. Especially Mary Dorta, president of the Visual Communication Advisory Committee. Dorta is director of Medical Graphics & Photography for the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.”
The TSSB is an 11-member advisory board to the Governor and the Legislature established in 1995 by the Legislature and initially appointed in 1996 by the Governor. The TSSB is composed of seven business and industry members, two labor representatives, one secondary, and one post-secondary, representative.
For more information, call Kay Pallavicini at 281.618.5733 or e-mail kay.pallavicini@lonestar.edu.
Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 E, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit: NorthHarris.LoneStar.edu.
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges, including CyFair, Kingwood, Montgomery, North Harris, and Tomball, six centers and Lone Star College-University Center. It is the largest college system in the Houston area, and third largest community college district in Texas. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.
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Oct. 24, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CALENDAR LISTING: through Oct. 30
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