1. futureworks | Fellowship for Regional Sustainable Development
Completion Focused Models:
Views of Postsecondary Attainment
Strategies
Indiana, Washington State, Tennessee
Talent Dividend Network
October 4, 2010

2. Completion Focused Postsecondary
Strategies
How do Talent Dividend Cities advocate for Completion-
Focused Strategies?
Do we know one when we see one?
Addressing systemic barriers…
 Poor Access for specific populations.
 Ineffective Assessment and Placement.
 Advising errors.
 Program and Course Confusion
 Ambiguous Course Sequencing and Scheduling

3. Completion-Focus Strategy
Goal: Increase capacity to raise the number and rate of
completions of degrees and certificates that hold labor
market value.
oChange the structure and organization of programs and services
 More than a work-around
oComprehensive change along the educational pathway
 More than one fix to one element in one department
oEmbed change in the core operations of the institution
 More than a pilot, grant dependent, project
Talent Dividend: Completion Focused Models3

4. Three Examples of Completion Strategies
o Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana – institutional
commitment to increase completion.
o College for Working Adults, Seattle/King County
Community Colleges, Washington State – introducing
strategic designs.
o Tennessee Technology Centers – mission driven.
Talent Dividend: Completion Focused Models4

5. Ivy Tech Community College
Indiana’s Community College System
o Single state system, 24 campuses, 160,000 students. 10-20%
Completion rates.
o Multiple system-wide efforts to increase access and completion
among different populations:
 Compressed program for HS students: Associates Degree in 12
Months.
 College for Working Adults: System wide program re-design for
completion.
 Demonstration projects in accelerated and compressed
remediation.
 Redesign of technical programs to focus on completion.
o Led by central office, administered by campuses.
o Operating in Parallel: New programs with traditional pathways.
 Large system embracing comprehensive change. Next steps.
Talent Dividend: Completion Focused Models5

6. College for Working Adults
Seattle/King County Community Colleges
o Initiated from ‘outside’ the system by philanthropic collaborative.
o Grant RFP with specific program design criteria.
o Seven Community Colleges, six degree programs.
o Developing new structures to increase completion.
 Low-skilled, low-income workers.
 In demand occupational areas.
 Comprehensive program pathway.
Talent Dividend: Completion Focused Models6

7. Tennessee Technology Centers
Occupational and Technical Education
Talent Dividend: Completion Focused Models7
o 27 Facilities Across the State, 7,000 Diplomas, 75% Completion.
 Integrated within the Tennessee Postsecondary System
o Clearly defined programs of study leading to credential and
employment.
 Limited choice. Fully defined.
 Fixed Schedule.
o All services embedded within program of study
 Technology Foundations
 Student Services and Advising
o Staff and faculty accountable for completion and placement.

8. Brian Bosworth, President
Stephen Michon, Vice President
John Hoops, Senior Associate
Malo Hutson, Associate
Stacey Jarrett Wagner, Associate
www.futureworks-web.com
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