SBCTC Mission Study and Faculty of the Future

The State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) has commissioned a Mission Study Task Force "to examine how well the college system is serving the people of Washington State, identify future needs, and recommend policies and strategies to meet those needs." Four faculty members across the system served on the task force. The mission study is now in the feedback gathering stage.

Among the findings related to faculty are education is increasingly focused on information assessment, critical thinking and problem-solving as well as knowledge acquisition; faculty are assuming a larger role as "learning organizers and guides"; digital content, open courseware and open textbooks are expanding exponentially. The study recommends the system "to offer accessible, affordable professional development opportunities focused on effective strategies to increase student achievement, especially for underserved populations and on using emerging web and mobile technologies to strengthen teaching and learning."

The State Board has made the following reports available:
Community and Technical Colleges Mission Study Draft Recommendations
Mission Study Summary of Findings
The College of 2020: Students (Chronicle Research Service)
FACTC representatives from CTC colleges across the state will have an opportunity to discuss the recommendations with State Board representatives during their regular quarterly meeting at Skagit Valley College on October 23.

On a separate front, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is hosting a Faculty for the Future forum to promote a dialogue among Washington State faculty on the evolving role of higher education faculty.

Please share your opinion or concern by posting a comment or contacting your college FACTC representative.

Jennifer Wu
North Seattle Community College