New Employee Orientation March 13, 2019

UT Extension Strategic Plan Advancing Tennessee: UT Extension 2010-2020 Strategic Plan Become the employer of choice to attract and retain a diverse and highly qualified workforce. Develop a world-class Extension team. Competency-Based System Initiative Team Launched in 2015 Made up of agents, county directors, specialists, and faculty.

Research Delphi Study Solicited feedback from 36 county directors and agents representing all program areas and regions Three rounds of surveys 73 competencies emerged as key areas to be addressed for staff development.

Developing the Assessments Competency assessments were developed by Skillsoft in consultation with a subcommittee and expert panel Use realistic Extension scenarios. Piloted with agents with 2-4 years of experience.

Competency Areas Communication and Interpersonal Skills Professionalism Leadership Educational Design Partnerships Organizational Systems Volunteers

Purpose The purpose is to identify professional development needed to help you do your job. NOT used for hiring, disciplinary procedures, or performance appraisal.

Handbook Tiny.utk.edu/newemployees

Process Assessment is assigned at New Employee Orientation. Agent completes assessments in order, following timeline. If “needs training” score is received, Regional Program Leaders will work with the agent to identify training needs. Agents will be assigned e-learning in K@TE. All courses must be completed within one year.

Timeline March: Assessment assigned when agent attends New Employee Orientation. March - April: Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Professionalism May - June: Leadership, Educational Design, Partnerships July - August: Organizational Systems, Volunteers September: Meet with RPL and CD if needed. September - February: Complete any identified professional development courses.

Important to Note Scoring 80% and above is “proficient”, below 80% is “needs training” Only the first score is recorded. It is not the expectation that everyone receives a proficient score on every assessment. The scores will not be used for performance appraisal, but completing the EXCELS process is an expectation. If professional development needs are identified, e-learning courses will be assigned. Skillsoft courses taken in K@TE count toward professional development hours. Most of these are 30 minutes to 2 hours in length.

Tips for the Assessments Set aside time. Review the competencies beforehand. Read the scenarios carefully. Think broadly, rather than by program area. Pay attention when a question asks for “all” answers that apply. Many questions have multiple answers. Partial answers are scored as incorrect. Set aside sufficient time Don’t try to speed through the assessment. Pay attention to the individual competencies that are being assessed. Read the scenarios carefully before proceeding to the questions. Don’t get stuck on the program area used in the scenario if it is different from yours. Think more broadly. Pay attention when a question asks for “all” answers that apply. Many questions have multiple answers. Partial answers are scored as incorrect.

Accessing the Assessments Kate.tennesseee.edu Assessment will appear on Transcript after assigned. Each assessment will list the appropriate due dates. You will receive an email when the assignment is ready.

Contact Information Brandi Berven Extension Specialist Extension Evaluation and Staff Development bb@utk.edu 865-974-1482

Questions?