file · web viewfinal version, connie jadrny, planning leader. january 29, 2018

Strategic PlanReview of 2016-2017

Final Version, Connie Jadrny, Planning LeaderJanuary 29, 2018

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The Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) has completed its first year since its five-year Strategic Plan was developed. This document is a review of goals, strategies, and tasks accomplished in 2016-2017.

This document is organized according to the length of time it is expected for OTL to achieve each goal. With immediate goals listed first. Progress notes give details about the specific tasks that fall under each identified strategy to meet OTL’s goals. In addition, a status is listed that consists of the following options: complete, partially complete, in progress, and not started. This organization gives quick identification for areas currently being worked on and those that still need a start.

Much of this year’s work focused on immediate goals. Many of these items were started but are ongoing tasks/strategies throughout the next few years. As OTL’s work progresses we add tasks and strategies as necessary to meet our goals. Continued progress towards assessment education is dependent upon the replacement of the Director of Assessment position or realignment of assessment within NDSU. What follows are suggestions on how to keep moving many of the in-progress items forward and/or to completed status and a chart that discusses the goals, strategies, tasks, and metrics.

Suggestions for Moving Forward

To make a significant impact in the upcoming year, OTL needs to bring in more voices from across campus. One of the identified strategies is to Create an OTL Advisory Board. Moving this strategy forward offers the potential to reach faculty in colleges or departments OTL has not reached, create a group of OTL supporters to spread the message about OTL services, and receive valuable feedback to help OTL improve its services.

To help prioritize programs the strategic plan set a task of getting a committee together to review current programs against a set of criteria. To move this strategy forward, a list of criteria that designates important programs should be generated and reviewed by stakeholders. Additionally, a form should be developed for individuals/departments to submit their event/program funding requests. The form should explain how their program meets the previously mentioned criteria. This helps OTL stay focused on programs/events that move us toward our mid-term goal of expanding resources and support for quality teaching.

Regroup on developing a new website. Discuss where the website is, what more is needed (ex. dynamic content), who can assist with the website, what to do with website domains of programs under OTL (ex. Group Decision Center), etc. Develop a plan of action to overcome current barriers to launching the site.

Continue to seek new and innovative ways of creating awareness of OTL. Explore different avenues of communication with groups across campus we partner with.

Focus on developing resources. Create a plan of action for the type of resources most needed. Are there faculty/instructional staff members who would be willing to write content, create tutorials, record podcasts, etc.?

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Goals, Strategies, Tasks, and Metrics Chart

Immediate Goal: Clarify and focus OTL’s identity

Strategy Task(s) Metric(s) Responsible Person(s)

Notes Status

Determine OTL’s Purpose

Make sure OTL is consistent with the direction of the university.

Regular Advisory Board discussions

OTL director Plan has been verified as consistent with direction of the University. Submitted OTL's strategic plan to the president and provost. President Bresciani sent a note back that said, "Very impressive! Thorough and well documented plan that I see fitting well with NDSU and System-wide initiatives. Thank you for the opportunity to review it."

Complete

Prioritize Programs

1. Quantify how many activities OTL staff are capable of managing in one year.

2. Have a committee review each current program against a list of prioritization criteria.

3. Create a program schedule based on the number of activities OTL can manage in one year.

Staff and committee meetings

OTL director, associate director, and designated staff

1. Have a list of activities started. Need to create a way to track staff time required for each activity.

2. Proposed annual needs assessment of faculty professional development needs. Need to determine who makes up the committee.

3. No comments

1. In progress

2. In progress

3. Not started

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Immediate Goal: Hire critical staff and strengthen working environment.

Strategy Task(s) Metric(s)Responsible

Person(s)Notes Status

Hire critical staff 1. Immediate hires: Assessment Director, Programmer/Server Maintenance/Web Designer/Data Analytics, and K-20 Environment Specialist

2. Mid-term hires: Instructional Designer, Video Production Graduate Assistants, Program Coordinator, and Educational Grant Writer

3. Long-term hires: Graphic Designer

Successful hires OTL director 1. Hired Jeremy Penn, Graduate Assistant Jamie Schaeffer, and Jill Motschenbacher supports assessment by serving on campus assessment committees. Jeremy Penn and Jamie Schaeffer will both be leaving our office soon.

2. ITS now offers a new Learning and Applied Innovation Group which will work closely with OTL to assist with instructional design and instructional technology needs of faculty. We look forward to working with ITS in this area.

3. Currently, two staff members are creating materials needed for events and promotions.

1. Partially complete

2. In progress

3. In progress

Create an OTL advisory board

Board created before May 2017

OTL director, associate director, and designated staff

Brainstormed ideas on who would make up this advisory board. Deans, stakeholders both internal and external. Need to identify a list of individuals to serve on advisory board and determine what meetings/feedback we seek.

In progress

Encourage staff to work more efficiently.

Cross-train staff Training programs in place beginning May 2017

Designated staff Examples of cross-training/redundancy are: Jill serves as a back-up for Paul, Kathy is trained in some aspects of Barb's work, Barb is trained in some aspects of Deb’s job, Nicole is working with Karen to learn how to set-up the Expanding Your Horizons program. More cross-training is needed in other areas.

In progress

Have more productive staff meetings

1. Use staff meetings to spark team collaboration.

2. Use staff meeting time to highlight and discuss current initiatives and programs taking place across NDSU.

3. Develop scheduling protocols for OTL services.

Develop collaboration-based agendas

Designated staff 1. We have added an agenda and minutes to help organize staff meetings. We need to add a list of upcoming events to the agenda so that each event is quickly discussed at each meeting.

2. We have started meeting with other NDSU offices (i.e. Student Success) to learn about ways we can collaborate and complement each other’s programs.

3. Developed a form for departments to submit information to our information link emails. Protocols have been discussed internally which has

1. In progress

2. In progress

3. In progress

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resulted in events being developed much earlier than previous years. More awareness of protocols is needed.

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Immediate Goal: Create awareness and generate support for OTL



Develop key talking points for OTL that shows OTL’s positive contributions

Marketing OTL to internal and external audiences.

Evidence of marketing, including web and other media, etc.

OTL communication and marketing coordinator

A list of talking points for OTL is available on our website under the about us section and also attached to this document (Attachment 1). Talking points have been used in email communication across campus, in printed post cards describing OTL services, on our website and in social media. Need to develop some metrics about the services OTL offers that discuss OTL's impact.

In progress

Create tools that make use of and distribute the key talking points.

1. Develop a menu of services.2. Create a video defining

what OTL is and does.3. Create processes and forms

for programs and events.4. Create a series of Qualtrics

training videos.

Creation of these tools.

OTL communication and marketing coordinator, and GA

1. We have added all services to our website under programs, more work on our website is needed but will have to be addressed when a web developer has been hired. We have produced print post cards with a folder that can be used to hand out to individuals interested in what we do. Still need to create an assessment post card, but that will be created in the next few months.

2. Will work on script and storyboard in coming year.3. No comments4. The videos have not been started but we are now

included Qualtrics tips in our email communication across campus.

1. Partially complete

2. Not started3. Not started4. In progress

Develop a communication plan.

1. Build one website for all of OTL

2. Create promotional materials for OTL.

3. Ensure the OTL brand is on every event/program offered.

4. Make use of social media.5. Use campus listservs to

promote services and key talking points.

Creation of materials as described

OTL communication and marketing coordinator.

1. Jerry has worked on the new website. There are some display/design issues that need to be addressed by a graphic designer. Some database linking needs to be addressed for the new site to be functional. Set up a meeting to discuss current status of the new website.

2. Postcards were created for all programs/services except assessment. Card images were turned into television monitor ads, social media and email images. Created folders to promote NDSU OTL and hold the previously mentioned post cards. Table banners were printed. Stand up banners will be printed this coming year. Annual summer catalog of K-12 professional development classes was

1. In progress

2. In progress

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produced and mailed.3. New logo was developed to co-brand Assessment,

Group Decision Center, and Center for Science and Mathematics with OTL's branding. This allows those groups to maintain their autonomy but still be identified as an OTL program. Need to continue to ensure OTL is identified with every program we support financially or by staff time. Educate why it is important that OTL be identified as a supporter.

4. A social media/email content calendar was developed and is guiding what is being promoted on social media. A list of K-12 school social media accounts was created. A Twitter list titled "We Learn Together" was curated from various educational sources and is updated as resources are identified. Need to refine social media campaigns.

5. Created an email template for different types of content and a schedule of emails for the year. Tested out a variety of different variables with email to find the most effective methods of getting information out. Created an email subscription for faculty, staff, and students to get exclusive content from OTL. We currently have 109 subscribers. Send faculty listserv emails every two weeks per our negotiated agreement with Faculty Senate. Send staff and graduate student listserv emails as needed.

3. In progress

4. In progress

5. Complete

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Immediate Goal: Support assessment work at NDSU


Notes Status

Lobby for a mandate from institutional leadership that is rewards-based.

Work with the provost to move this forward.

Creation of an NDSU committee to work on this.

OTL director We have been tracking participation in program assessment much more closely this year; Annual Assessment reports (for those that were submitted) have all been evaluated as either needs improvement, acceptable, or exemplary. The exemplary reports could be highlighted for potential rewards.

In progress

Provide assistance for change-ready faculty.

Offer Experts in Assessment1. Develop an assessment

mentoring model.2. Bring in off-campus

assessment experts.Offer Training1. Hold an OTL staff primer to

help OTL staff understand how OTL supports assessment.

2. Training topic: Understanding the tracking of student learning.

3. Training topic: Help in developing assessment measures and tools.

Offer Data1. Offer data visualization

tools.Offer Resources1. Record a video series on

assessment training.2. Create a database for

storing assessment data including accreditation.

Completion of this model.

Ongoing assessment training opportunities

Creation of these tools.

Creation of the video, as well as a database in conjunction with the provost’s office.

Assessment director

Assessment director

Assessment director Assessment director

Offer Experts in AssessmentThe first step in figuring out what experts we might want to bring in and where mentors might be needed was the review of Annual Assessment reports (done) and the OTL needs survey (finalizing data analysis).Offer Training

1. Presented at a staff meeting and shared a handout summary of assessment at NDSU.

2. No comments3. No comments

Offer Data1. We will likely be use Tableau, in collaboration with

Institutional Research.Offer Resources

1. An introductory video series on program assessment is done and on the website.

2. We will use Tableau for the longer-term storage of assessment reports; 2016-2017 reports were collected in Qualtrics.

In progress

1. In progress

2. Not started3. Not started

1. Complete

1. Complete

2. Complete

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Mid-Term Goal: Expand resources and support for quality teaching at NDSU.



Build a website that better supports expanded resources.

1. Add white-papers.2. Add pedagogical videos.3. Add various teaching tools.4. Add Qualtrics templates.5. Add tutorials on high-impact

practices.6. Add an activity repository.

New website Multimedia/computer specialist (position currently unfilled)

1. No comments2. No comments3. OTL has launched its We Learn Together Blog which

addresses different teaching tools, topics, and methods.

4. No comments5. No comments6. No comments

1. Not started2. Not started3. In progress

4. Not started5. Not started6. Not started

Add services. 1. Add evaluation and exam services.

2. Add student focus groups for instructor feedback.

3. Add a team of an instructional designer and pedagogy-based faculty in each college with the responsibility of improving teaching and learning in their college.

4. Add an analytics component.5. Add big picture practices that

improve retention.6. Collaborate with other

support services departments.

7. Provide assistance in writing broad impact statements for education grants.

8. Support measuring teaching effectiveness.

Addition of these people and services

Various 1. No comments2. No comments3. No comments4. No comments5. No comments6. OTL is working with the Library on a lecture series,

the Bookstore to educate faculty on textbook/materials purchases and cost reduction for students, the Office of Orientation and Student Success to form a two-pronged approach to student and faculty success.

7. No comments8. No comments

1. Not started2. Not started3. Not started4. Not started5. Not started6. In progress

7. Not started8. Not started

Lead with innovative programs.

1. Offer learning walks for K-20 instructors.

2. Offer K-20 professional development workshops/seminars on a variety of teaching topics.

Creation of the program

OTL director and K-12 school administration representative

1. A test of this program was offered in West Fargo Public Schools to see if this is a viable option for course improvement at the K-20 level. Need to decide if this is a viable program.

2. No comments

1. In progress

2. Not started

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Mid-Term Goal: Strengthen collaborations on-campus, with K-20, and with other universities.



Determine how OTL is viewed by NDSU administration

Ongoing assessment by the Provost

Assessment reports and other modes

OTL director and Provost

Plan has been verified as consistent with direction of the University. Submitted OTL's strategic plan to the president and provost. Regular follow up with administrators will ensure programs and services stay on course with the University's overall vision.

Complete

Communicate more regularly with K-20 groups.

1. Establish a K-20 advisory board to steer professional development activities.

2. Get the NDSU School of Education more involved with K-20 offerings/advisory board.

3. Identify high needs areas of K-20.

Creation of the advisory board

Selection of School of Education representatives

List of high needs areas

OTL director

OTL director

OTL advisory board

1. No comments2. Starting to meet with the School of Education to

establish better collaborations.3. No comments

1. Not started2. In Progress

3. Not started

Build capacity. 1. Develop resources on OTL website for K-20 instructors.

2. Assist in identifying and writing educational improvement grants that span K-20 region-wide and possibly state-wide.

3. Assist NDSU faculty with the instructional strategy of grants that improve education within the institution and state of North Dakota

Website upgrading

Large-scale grant proposals

Medium- and small-scale grant proposals

Multimedia/computer specialist (position currently unfilled)

OTL director and associate director

OTL associate director

1. Starting to add content to the OTL website regarding different resources available. Need faculty and K-12 educators to contribute content or useful resources.

2. A 3 million dollar NSF grant, “Scholarship-ND”, targeting the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and institutional change was submitted on December 11, 2017, and we are awaiting word on the funding. This program would be organized through OTL. We are also reorganizing the statewide “Frameworks-ND” NSF grant for resubmission on December 2018, which would bring “Gateways-ND” instructional training to 15 of the 18 state public, private, and tribal postsecondary institutions.

3. Currently, two NSF grants that total $500,000 are being submitted with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering that improve student learning and create opportunities for underrepresented students in engineering.

1. In progress

2. In progress

3. In progress

Offer workshops 1. Offer learning walks. Class offerings OTL staff 1. A test of this program was offered in West Fargo 1. In progress

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that promote additional learning opportunities for K-20 professional development.

2. Professional development classes on a variety of topics and in a variety of instruction modes.

3. Put funds toward bringing in major regional or national speakers on high needs topics.

Creation of speaker series

OTL staff

Public Schools to see if this is a viable option for course improvement at the K-20 level. Need to decide if this is a viable program.

2. Starting to promote option for NDSU faculty to offer K-12 professional development classes addressing changes/updates in their field. Post card assists individuals in getting started offering a course. Beginning to gain more instructors who teach online K-12 professional development classes throughout the year.

3. No comments

2. In progress

3. Not started

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Long-Term Goal: Reinvigorate the teaching mission of the university.



Recognize good teaching ideas through incentives.

Devise strategies in concert with the Office of the Provost

Strategies created OTL director and representative of the provost’s office

Received Provost’s approval to propose an NDSU Academy of Distinguished teachers.

Not started

Designate OTL as a supportive place for faculty and teaching staff to come for assistance.

1. Promote OTL services and openness to support ideas that promote improved teaching and learning.

2. Buy out a course from the load of struggling teachers so they can focus on improving their teaching.

3. Offer mid-term feedback visits to classes/departments.

4. Develop a faculty fellows group who can mentor new faculty, lead course redesigns, and create resources for OTL’s website.

5. Offer mini-grants for teaching initiatives.

Strategies implemented

OTL director, associate director, marketing and communication coordinator, and OTL staff

1. Letters offering support for faculty and teaching staff have been sent to deans and department heads across NDSU. We are also promoting these services within administrative meetings, workshops, and through personal communication.

2. No comments3. No comments4. No comments5. No comments

1. In progress

2. Not started3. Not started4. Not started5. Not started

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Long-Term Goal: Become regional leaders for teaching and learning knowledge and model programs.


Notes Status

Develop signature programs portable to other institutions.

Program creation, often via grant support.

Programs created, grants funded

OTL director and staff

Gateways-ND In progress

Generate evidence-based research regarding OTL programs.

Assessment strategies Internal assessment program created

Assessment director

Gateways-ND In progress

Train individuals who can offer professional development workshops/seminars.

Offer grant-related or other training opportunities.

Programs created OTL director and staff

No comments Not started

Offer joint Faculty Learning Communities so NDSU faculty and K-12 teachers can learn together.

Offer grant-related or other training opportunities.

FLCs created OTL director and staff


Lead research teams in developing effective classroom research.

Create the research teams.

Teams created Assessment director


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Long-Term Goal: Establish solid, ongoing collaborations throughout the state with K-12 and other teaching and learning centers in K-20.



Identify long term needs of K-12 teachers in North Dakota.

Conduct a needs assessment.

Needs identified. Assessment director


Determine if the NDUS Continuing Education Directors meetings, for K-12 professional development programs, are still being held and become more active in meetings.

Gather relevant information.

Question answered. OTL marketing and communications coordinator


Reach out to regional education collaboratives as well as other K-12 education groups to determine where more collaboration with professional development efforts can happen.

Contact collaboratives Question answered. OTL marketing and communications coordinator


Offer more innovative programs that meet needs like the Teacher Leadership Academy master’s program.

Faculty Learning Communities for teachers/faculty in K-20.

Creation of FLCs OTL director No comments Not started

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Long-Term Goal: Build connections with campus and state leadership that supports teaching and learning work.


Notes Status

Meet with on-campus and off-campus groups to present OTL services and hear about their complementary services.

1. Propose that OTL offer a regular email that lists all faculty/instructional staff professional development opportunities across campus.

2. Develop outreach and advocacy initiatives and programs.

Create various means of communication.

OTL associate director and marketing and communications coordinator

1. Started an Information Link System that is meant to address this need. The Information Link System is still working to be known as an important resource for faculty. Priority in the upcoming year. Need to identify a system that supports dynamic content for these emails.

2. Jill participates in a number of committees that provide outreach and advocacy in a variety of areas. A few examples include: Major Map Taskforce, Library Open Educational Resource initiative, and Learning Spaces Committee.

1. In progress

2. In progress

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Long-Term Goal: Expand online programs consistent with the university’s mission.


Notes Status

Have curriculum experts and enough support staff to make OTL the central place for online, credit-bearing course development.

Hire curriculum specialist(s).

Curriculum specialist(s) hire

OTL director


Help departments develop new distance-based programs that serve the citizens of North Dakota.

Advertise this to departments and colleges.

Contacts made.OTL marketing and communications coordinator


Offer workshops on how to teach online the right way.

Create, schedule, and market these workshops.

Workshops delivered and assessed.

OTL staff and Assessment director


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Attachment 1:

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file · web viewfinal version, connie jadrny, planning leader. january 29, 2018

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