1. Moving the Needle - 2017 November 8, 2017
Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the
Guided Pathways Journey
Ms. Margaret Bowman & Dr. Teri Trede
Moving the Needle
November 8, 2017

2. Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
At the end of this session, you will be prepared to…
Assess the ‘health’ of your curriculum using Key Performance Indicators;
Identify a starting point for your institution’s journey, using SPC’s Framework for Curriculum Renewal ;
Engage your faculty in focused conversations about redesigning curriculum to support guided pathways.
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

3. Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
2016
1st 15 credit hours
Milestones by quadrant
CAC Triads
2017
3 Year Course Review
Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
SPC’s Journey to Guided Pathways
(from a curriculum
perspective)
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

4. “Alignment” Critical Partnerships: Academics & Student Services
Student-centered Curriculum Leadership Workshop – SJR State, ~4
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

5. Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
Institutional philosophy and standards drive curriculum
Program learning outcomes align to course/student outcomes and assessment
Academic and career milestones
are embedded in academic pathways
Courses are sequenced in comprehensive academic pathways with identifiable ‘on’ and ‘off’ ramps
Engaged, Successful Students 1 2 3 4
SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

6. SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Curricular Renewal - Institutional Readiness Survey
Directions: Identify your Institutional Readiness score by circling the number that most closely matches your level of agreement or certainty.
A = Agree (2)
U = Uncertain (1)
D = Disagree (0)
1: Institutional Philosophy and Standards Drive Curriculum A U D
My institution has a clearly stated philosophy that drives the development and continuous improvement of the curriculum.
My institution has standards against which academic courses and programs are reviewed.
My institution has curriculum ‘health indicators’ (measures) to help predict the impact of curriculum changes on students.
My institution’s C&I Committee takes responsibility and advocates for the academic quality and student focus of its curriculum.
Faculty are fully aware of how the changes they make to their curriculum will impact student progression. 2 1
2: Program Learning Outcomes Align to Course/Student Outcomes & Assessment
All academic programs at my institution have learning outcomes.
Our program learning outcomes are SMART.
Our program learning outcomes align to competencies that are either Introduced, Practiced /Reinforced, or Mastered in program courses.
General Education competency areas are embedded in and assessed throughout our curriculum (not just lower-division programs or AA programs).
The curriculum and assessment functions are closely aligned at my institution.
3: Courses are Sequenced in Comprehensive Pathways with ‘on’ and ‘off’ Ramps
My institution has academic pathways for all academic programs.
Faculty work closely with deans, advisors, and learning support staff to develop academic pathways that best promote student success.
Course scheduling is determined by the sequencing of courses in academic pathways (as opposed to sequencing courses based on course scheduling/availability).
Critical gateway courses, such as composition and math, are sequenced early in academic pathways (within the first credit hours) so that students gain the necessary prerequisite skills for success in future classes.
Prior to making curriculum changes, faculty and deans consider how they will impact students’ academic pathways.
4: Academic and Career Milestones are Embedded in Pathways
Stackable credentials, such as community college certificates or industry certificates are embedded into academic pathways so that students may stop out (if needed) and still earn a credential.
Key career milestones, such as developing a professional resume, are listed on academic pathways.
Key academic milestones, such as completing composition, math, and a gateway (introductory) program course are listed on academic pathways.
Recommended points at which students should engage with academic support services, such as visiting a tutoring lab for Anatomy & Physiology, are listed on academic pathways.
Culminating experiences, such as capstone courses or internships, are incorporated into all academic pathways so that students have opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained from their courses to work settings.
SPC’s
Framework
for
Curricular
Renewal
TOTAL:

7. Redesigning Academic Programs to Create Clear Paths to Student Success
Based on the results of your institutional self-assessment, identify one area you would like to learn more about.
Assemble with ‘like-minded’ participants.
Discuss:
Where is your institution in its curriculum renewal journey (as it relates to SPC’s Framework?)
What challenges do you think your institution will face in implementing a curriculum renewal initiative?
How would you begin to approach curriculum renewal?
Report out
Group Activity:
Institutional philosophy and standards drive curriculum
Program learning outcomes align to course/student outcomes and assessment
Academic and career milestones are embedded in pathways
Courses are sequenced in comprehensive pathways with identifiable ‘on’ and ‘off’ ramps
Engaged, Successful Students 1 2 3 4
Student-centered Curriculum at SPC  February 6,  Community College Conference on Learning Assessment

8. Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
Student Engagement:
Rational commitment to learning and SPC
Emotional commitment to learning and SPC
Student Success:
Students finish what they start
Engaged, Successful Students
SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

9. Redesigning Academic Programs to Create Clear Paths to Student Success
Critical Questions:
My institution has a clearly stated philosophy that drives the development and continuous improvement of the curriculum.
My institution has standards against which academic courses and programs are reviewed.
My institution has curriculum ‘health indicators’ (measures) to help predict the impact of curriculum changes on students.
My institution’s C&I Committee takes responsibility and advocates for the academic quality and student focus of its curriculum.
Faculty are fully aware of how the changes they make to their curriculum will impact student progression. 1
Institutional philosophy and standards drive curriculum
SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Student-centered Curriculum at SPC  February 6,  Community College Conference on Learning Assessment

10. Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
Annual faculty-led summer institutes prompt the iterative improvement project for each academic year
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

11. Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
SPC Results & Benefits of Developing an Institutional Philosophy and Standards to Drive Curriculum:
Increased ownership: faculty and deans are more engaged in the curriculum development process.
Repeatable, reliable peer-to-peer curriculum review process.
Increased institutional knowledge of curriculum development and improvement.
Curriculum review focuses on student success and academic quality, rather than “dot the I’s”.
Decrease in number of course directives processed.
C&I Committee: Advocates and experts in curriculum development 1
Institutional philosophy and standards drive curriculum
SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

12. Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
Critical Questions:
All academic programs at my institution have learning outcomes.
Our program learning outcomes are SMART.
Our program learning outcomes align to competencies that are either Introduced, Practiced /Reinforced, or Mastered in program courses.
General Education competency areas are embedded in and assessed throughout our curriculum (not just lower-division programs or AA programs).
The curriculum and assessment functions are closely aligned at my institution. 2
Program learning outcomes align to course/student outcomes and assessment
SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

13. Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey2:
Align PLOs to course/student
outcomes and
assessment
SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

14. Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
SPC Results & Benefits of Developing PLOs:
Curriculum is developed from the perspective of the end in mind (the successful, employed graduate).
Course major learning outcomes (MLOs) clearly support PLOs.
Common assessment points established in programs.
Program curriculum is viewed holistically. 2
Program learning outcomes align to course/student outcomes and assessment
SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

15. Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
Critical Questions:
My institution has academic pathways for all academic programs (certificate – baccalaureate).
Faculty work closely with deans, advisors, and learning support staff to develop academic pathways that best promote student success.
Course scheduling is determined by the sequencing of courses in academic pathways (as opposed to sequencing courses based on course scheduling/availability).
Critical gateway courses, such as composition and math, are sequenced early in academic pathways (within the first credit hours) so that students gain the necessary prerequisite skills for success in future classes.
Prior to making curriculum changes, faculty and deans consider how they will impact students’ academic pathways. 3
Courses are sequenced in comprehensive pathways with identifiable ‘on’ and ‘off’ ramps
SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

16. Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
Features of SPC Academic Pathways
SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

17. Beware of hidden prereqs!
Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
Pathways Do:
Pathways Do NOT:
Present highly recommended courses and sequence with an “opt out” feature
Recommend specific general education courses and elective courses, based on curricular relevance
Identify “on” and “off” ramps via embedded certificates and industry certifications
Allow for customization and flexibility based on each student’s unique situation
Enable faculty and deans to experience curriculum through the students’ perspective
Identify “hidden prerequisites” and other unforeseen, downstream impacts of curriculum changes
Replace professional guidance from faculty and advisors
Limit students’ options of courses
Require students to take any additional courses for a specific requirement that was previously satisfied
Require students to be full-time or part-time, college-ready or college-prep, online or on campus
Change due to scheduling or modality 3:
Create comprehensive Academic Pathways with identifiable ‘on’ and ‘off’ ramps
Beware of hidden prereqs!
SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

18. SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
SPC Results & Benefits of Creating Academic Pathways:
Faculty view their curriculum and the college experience through the eyes of their students.
Identifies structural issues in curriculum (e.g., hidden prerequisites, misaligned certificates)
Engaged, energized faculty.
Promotes collaboration among faculty, administration, advisors, and student support staff.
Informs scheduling decisions.
Helps to identify when students “stray” from their intended goals (majors) and get them back on track. 3
Courses are sequenced in comprehensive pathways with identifiable ‘on’ and ‘off’ ramps
SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

19. Academic and career milestones are embedded in pathways
Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
Critical Questions:
Stackable credentials, such as community college certificates or industry certificates are embedded into academic pathways so that students may stop out (if needed) and still earn a credential.
Key career milestones, such as developing a professional resume, are listed on academic pathways.
Key academic milestones, such as completing composition, math, and a gateway (introductory) program course are listed on academic pathways.
Recommended points at which students should engage with academic support services, such as visiting a tutoring lab for Anatomy & Physiology, are listed on academic pathways.
Culminating experiences, such as capstone courses or internships, are incorporated into all academic pathways so that students have opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained from their courses to work settings. 4
Academic and career milestones are embedded in pathways
SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

20. Academic and career milestones are embedded in pathways
Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
SPC Results & Benefits of Embedding Milestones Into Academic Pathways:
Students gain exposure to their intended career early in the program (and can change early, if desired).
Students develop connections with business and community leaders.
Students graduate with a comprehensive portfolio that can be used for job searches, graduate school, etc.
Program curriculum is more relevant (contextualized). 4
Academic and career milestones are embedded in pathways
SPC’s Framework for Curricular Renewal
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017

21. Assessing Your Institution’s Readiness for the Guided Pathways Journey
Margaret Bowman
Teri Trede
Assessing Institutional Readiness  November 8,  Moving the Needle Conference 2017