[Wsssc] Guided Pathways Update for WACTC

Mon Jan 22 15:52:38 PST 2024

Greetings,

The purpose of this email is to provide a brief Guided Pathways update to WACTC on two current areas of interest in the Community and Technical System, reporting and the intersections between Guided Pathways and the Accelerated Study for Associate Programs (ASAP). This message is also attached as a PDF to preserve format and ensure access to embedded links.

Guided Pathways Reporting

In the first half of 2024, two reports on Guided Pathways implementation will be released.  One report is for the legislature, providing a baseline assessment of Guided Pathways implementation pertinent to the Workforce Education and Investment Act and an evaluation of the College Spark Washington Guided Pathways investment. The Community College Research Center also published a report in September 2022, Whole-College Guided Pathways Reform Practices: Scale of Adoption by Community Colleges in Three States<https://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/publications/whole-college-guided-pathways-reform.html>, providing an analysis of the Scale of Adoption Surveys that community and technical colleges completed Summer 2022.

Washington State Institute for Public Policy

The Washington Institute for Public Policy is finalizing their baseline report on Guided Pathways implementation, to be released in March. This descriptive report provides information about Guided Pathways implementation, including timeline, areas of alignment with legislative requirements<https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.50.925#:~:text=(2)%20Each%20community%20and%20technical,communities%20of%20color%2C%20low%2Dincome>, challenges, and ongoing needs.
Legislative Requirements

  1.  Comprehensive mapping of student educational pathways with student end goals in mind
  2.  Dedicated advising and career counseling that helps students make informed program choices and develop completion plans
  3.  Data analysis of student learning as well as program and service outcomes
  4.  A student success support infrastructure effective in closing equity gaps among historically underserved student populations and improve completion rates:

     *   Equity competent academic advising services;
     *   Equity competent career development programming;
     *   Clear information regarding financial aid and financial literacy; and
     *   Inclusive curriculum and teaching practices.

Challenges
Ongoing Needs

  *   Impact of COVID-19
  *   Staff Capacity and Turnover
  *   ctcLink Transition
  *   Buy-In

  *   Staffing
  *   Student Success Software
  *   Continued Support from SBCTC
  *   Learning from Others
  *   Reducing Reporting Burdens
The report is largely qualitative, drawing from surveys that 32 colleges submitted in winter quarter, 2023. The report also summarizes trends in outcomes between 2012-2019, comparing retention, course completion, credit accumulation, and Grade Point Average for early adopter colleges and the rest of the system. The report does not provide a statistical analysis to evaluate the impact of Guided Pathways.  WSIPP will publish a final report in 2029, which will build off this first report.  They will provide an update on colleges' implementation efforts and, to the extent possible, examine additional student outcomes including degree completion, four-year institution transfer rates, employment, and earnings.
College Spark Washington
College Spark Washington is finalizing an evaluation of Guided Pathways at early adopter colleges. Also largely qualitative, the report provides an overview of Guided Pathways implementation, with a focus on the role of leadership to impact change. A summary of lessons learned from the Bob Watrus and Deena Heg, external evaluators for College Spark Washington, is available here<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X8pdAANFKlIzBfYTIRRcYqxDBLhG_G_Z/view>. The final report will be released with case studies and other resources by the end of the academic year.
Guided Pathways and Accelerated Study for Associate Programs (ASAP)
The City University of New York (CUNY) ASAP program eliminates barriers and increases the percentage of students graduating within three years by providing structured and support services. The ASAP model is a key equity driver and achievement strategy aligning under the Guided Pathways framework. A collaborative state team staffed from the Washington Student Achievement Council and the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges were awarded a planning grant to explore implementation of the program. Clover Park Technical College, Peninsula College, and the Community Colleges of Spokane engaged in a fall overview session, delving into aspects such as program model characteristics; financial modeling and cost; other states replications models; and reviewed other considerations. This planning grant is poised to enhance our knowledge and influence if we will pursue further opportunities for pilots to enhance our commitment to student success and equitable educational outcomes. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue learning and evaluating during the winter and spring terms.
ASAP is a program that admits a specific cohort of students, typically enrolled full time and Pell eligible.   A key feature of the ASAP program is a dedicated program advisor with a maximum caseload of 150 students. These advisors help students navigate their college experience with a focus on completion within three years, ensuring that students begin their course taking with any pre-college math or English requirements.
On the other hand, Guided Pathways is a broader and institution-wide approach to transformation. It involves restructuring the entire educational experience, from enrollment to completion, with a focus on creating clear and purposeful academic pathways for all students. It includes elements like program mapping, career exploration, intentional support services, and transforming teaching and learning to guide students through their academic journey.
While ASAP targets a specific group of students for intensive support, Guided Pathways aims to transform the entire educational landscape of an institution. The two approaches can complement each other by ensuring that the targeted support provided by ASAP aligns with the overall institutional goals set by the Guided Pathways framework. In this way, the institution can create a seamless and supportive environment for all students, with a particular focus on those who may face additional challenges.
Legislative conversations on ASAP and Guided Pathways this year have centered on the importance of the wrap around support services that ASAP provides.  Our system is immensely grateful for the historic Guided Pathways funding from the legislature, which plays a crucial role in our mission of a system that advances racial, social, and economic justice by achieving equitable student aspiration, access, economic progress, and educational and career attainment. While the financial support is invaluable, it's important to note that it currently doesn't fully cover the type of staffing needed to systemically align with ASAP caseloads.

Collaboration, Clarification, Community

If you would like to discuss further, would like to discuss your college's Guided Pathways work, or have any questions, please reach out! Click here to schedule an appointment<https://calendly.com/mwilson-wassc> or email at mwilson at sbctc.edu<mailto:mwilson at sbctc.edu>.

[Compass]Monica Wilson (she|her|hers)<https://medium.com/gender-inclusivit/why-i-put-pronouns-on-my-email-signature-and-linkedin-profile-and-you-should-too-d3dc942c8743>
Director, Student Success Center & Strategic Initiatives
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
Cell: 503-307-1555 | e: mwilson at sbctc.edu<mailto:mwilson at sbctc.edu> | website: www.sbctc.edu<http://www.sbctc.edu/>
Schedule a Meeting<https://calendly.com/mwilson-wassc>
______________________________________________________________________________
                                                                                           SBCTC Vision
                         "Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives
                          within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice
                         in service to our diverse communities."

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