Our Guided Pathways strategy is based upon the Washington Student Success Center's Guided Pathways initiative. There are four "pillars" that make up Guided Pathways. Within each pillar, there are specific Guided Pathway practices.
Clarify the Paths
Programs are clearly mapped with sequenced courses, highlighting courses critical to success and “co-curricular” requirements with clear milestones. Each program has detailed information on employment opportunities and transfer requirements for related bachelor's programs.
Strategies that help Clarify the Paths:
- Degree Math and English within One Year
- Math Pathways
- Program Maps
- Scheduling
Help Students Get on a Path
Upon entry students are shown all career and program options in their area of study or broader “meta-major” and are provided guidance to develop an individual educational plan. Courses are redesigned and supports are provided for students to complete college-level math and English courses for their intended field of study, ideally within their first year.
Strategies that Help Students get on a Path:
- Intake
- Placement
- Structured Exploratory Experiences
Help Students Stay on a Path
Through intentional advising, student progress is closely monitored to keep them on their path, assist if they want to choose another path, and intervene if they go off the path. Students are provided information to easily understand their progress and the next steps to complete their program. Assistance is provided to students who are unlikely to be accepted into limited-access programs to redirect them towards a more viable path of credentials and a career.
Strategies that Help Students Stay on a Path:
- Educational Planning
- Engaging Students in Support of Completion
- Predictive Courses
- Progress Monitoring
Ensure Students are Learning
Program learning outcomes align with requirements for future success in education and employment. Faculty use learning outcome assessments to improve the effectiveness of their instruction. Attention is focused on collaborative, active learning that is relevant to the student's field of interest, including in and out of classroom learning, such as internships and service.
Strategies that Help Ensure Students are Learning:
- Classroom Environment & Course Design
- Outcomes Alignment