Statements of Institutional Purpose and DRAFT Strategic Learning Plan

From: Sanford Shugart
To: All Faculty and Staff
Date: 8/23/01 3:53 PM
Subject: Statements of Institutional Purpose and DRAFT Strategic Learning Plan

We have reached a significant milepost in our journey toward becoming an extraordinary learning community. Attached is a copy of the DRAFT Strategic Learning Goals that have been collaboratively developed and continuously refined based on input from throughout the College over the past 18 months. In a broader sense, it is fair to say the seven DRAFT goals have evolved from the six years of transformational discussions and actions that have been Valencia's Learning-Centered Initiative. Also included in the attachment are the Vision, Values, Mission, and Statutory Purpose statements approved by our District Board of Trustees in January. Those statements were the product of an extensive collaborative process, too.

A major challenge of such collaboration is to not end it prematurely while being confident enough to move forward when consensus is reached. It is my intention to present the DRAFT Strategic Learning Plan to the District Board of Trustees for its approval in October. However, before I take the plan to our governing board, I want to ask that you give the document a final review (DRAFT Strategic Learning Plan) and share with me any major concerns you might have or significant oversights that you spot. I would appreciate receiving your input by Wednesday, September 12, 2001.

Next Steps

The seven strategic learning goals were developed with enhanced student learning as the central driving force. As you know, those goals won't be achieved if once the plan is approved it gets filed away or added to a crowded bookshelf. To avoid that trap, an intentional component of the collaborative process has been the development of strategies, action items, and outcomes for each of the proposed goals. Each action item related to the goals has an individual assigned to lead the action; a governing council responsible for oversight of the activity; and a deadline for the completion of the action. Measurable strategic learning indicators related to the goals are in the process of being identified and proposed by a working group of faculty and institutional research staff.

An exciting element of our evolving learning-centered dialogue is the richness of the idea exchanges that take place throughout the College through roundtables, formal meetings, threaded discussions, reading circles, or less structured opportunities to share concepts and experiences. We want to expand that dialogue around the seven proposed learning goals. Over the next several weeks seven essays, one for each learning goal, will be sent to you. The essays will be authored by several colleagues who have volunteered to put their ideas out for discussion. These essays represent the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official or unofficial views of the College. It is my hope that these writings will spark thoughtful and lively discussions throughout the College and that you will help by looking for ways to further the dialogue. The timetable for dissemination of the essays (via e-mail) follows:

Goal 1 (Learning First) Wednesday, August 29

Goal 2 (Start Right) Wednesday, September 12

Goal 3 (Learning Leaders) Wednesday, September 26

Goal 4 (Learning By Design) Wednesday, October 10

Goal 5 (Learning Support Systems) Wednesday, October 24

Goal 6 (Diversity Works) Wednesday, November 7

Goal 7 (Learning Works) Wednesday, November 21

Working together we have made remarkable progress in moving to this critical milepost. With the important work ahead of us we don't have a moment to waste.

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