Guided Pathways in Tennessee and Indiana: Lessons Learned From the First Year of Implementation

• In Event: Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: Pathways to Student Success: Lessons of Learning and Leadership

Abstract

The movement to implement clear guided pathways from college entry to graduation is grounded in research showing that when students are provided with structure and guidance, they are more likely to successfully complete a program of study. This paper presents an analysis of the implementation of guided pathways at four community colleges in Indiana and Tennessee. Our findings include an examination of how institutions engage campus stakeholders during the planning and implementation stages, and discussion of the obstacles encountered during the first year of implementation. We find that campus-wide communication of the goals, methods, and benefits of guided pathways is crucial to the initial success of pathways, but that institutions are confronted with additional costs stemming from pathways implementation.

Authors

• Hana Lahr, Teachers College, Columbia University

• John Fink, Community College Research Center