Guided Pathways

College Spark Washington and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) launched the Guided Pathways Initiative in 2016, a comprehensive eight-year effort with a budget of $7 million. This initiative involved ten community and technical colleges across Washington, with two cohorts of five colleges each participating in 2016 and 2018. The primary aim was to support these colleges in redesigning their institutional practices to increase student completion rates, close equity gaps, and cultivate change leaders. 

As reported in the Guided Pathways Evaluation Report, conducted by Deena Heg and Bob Watrus, the colleges have made significant strides in several key areas of Guided Pathways essential practices. Nearly all have successfully mapped their programs, though the usage of these maps varies. Most institutions have implemented mandatory entry advising, and several are advancing toward individualized education plans for all students based on these maps. Many colleges have incorporated career and college exploration activities using diverse methods. Additionally, most have reduced or eliminated traditional precollege math and English courses, with several adopting a corequisite approach, and many have shifted to directed self-placement, moving away from high-stakes testing. Strengthening teaching and learning practices with a focus on equity has also been a priority, although providing consistent support through to completion remains a work in progress for all involved. 

Colleges that have made significant strides in implementing Guided Pathways share some common characteristics that drive their success. Here’s a look at what sets these institutions apart: 

1. Institutional Commitment: Successful colleges prioritize Guided Pathways as a college-wide initiative, viewing it as a vital component of institutional change that affects every aspect of the student experience. 
2. Leadership Engagement: Active involvement from leadership—presidents, vice presidents, and deans—is crucial. Their ongoing support helps to champion the initiative across the college. 
3. Faculty and Staff Involvement: A broad and deep engagement from faculty and staff promotes a cultural shift within the institution, ensuring everyone is invested in the changes being made. 
4. Data-Driven Decisions: Strategic use of data, including disaggregated metrics, allows colleges to assess and inform their efforts effectively. This data-centric approach helps identify areas for improvement and measure progress over time. 
5. Institutional Support for Change: Colleges leverage institutional resources—such as budget allocations and contract negotiations—to implement and sustain changes. 
6. Embedding Change in Structures: Successful colleges institutionalize change through established processes like program and curriculum review and outcomes assessment. 
7. Sustained Effort: Implementing change at scale requires a concerted, long-term commitment. Steady, focused efforts over time are essential for achieving meaningful progress. 
8. Embracing Innovation: A willingness to innovate and improve through various reform efforts over the years is critical to sustaining momentum and success. 

Recent data from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) shows that participating colleges have made slow but steady progress in early student outcomes, such as completing math and English courses and earning 15 credits in the first year. The first cohort of colleges demonstrated gains above the system-wide average, particularly among Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino students, although completion rates for the fourth year remained static. 

These findings offer valuable lessons for other community and technical colleges. Guided Pathways should be viewed as a set of guiding principles rather than a rigid checklist. This perspective fosters the necessary institutional change. For true transformation, Guided Pathways must be embraced as a comprehensive approach rather than a series of isolated practices. Furthermore, it’s essential to integrate equity into every facet of the initiative and to strengthen connections with local communities. 

Among the participating colleges, Pierce College, South Puget Sound, Clover Park, and Spokane Falls have emerged as leaders in the Guided Pathways initiative. These institutions have effectively implemented Guided Pathways principles, showcasing innovative practices and strategies that have led to notable improvements in student outcomes. Each college has shared valuable insights through detailed case studies, highlighting the voices of staff and leadership who played critical roles in this transformative process. These case studies illustrate the unique approaches taken by each college, offering lessons and inspiration for other institutions looking to enhance their own Guided Pathways efforts. To explore their success stories and the experiences of those involved, check out the Pierce College, South Puget Sound, Clover Park, and Spokane Falls case studies linked here. 

By committing to these principles, colleges can pave the way for more effective and inclusive educational experiences for all students.