04/20/07

Knowledge Economy - School Success

Meeting Minutes - Apr 20, 2007

Discussion Items:
-Rick updated the group on the status of the inventory we wish to generate of KE programs.  Minimal response so far.  He is working with Dave Boulay and Tom Archer to use URS to identify relevant programs and will promote reporting KE activities in URS.
-The KE website needs more visibility, in several locations and linked to other sites.
-KE is an abstract idea.  Difficult to define and quantify.  Our task, therefore, is to promote it within Extension to further the concept.  Hopefully, everyone will eventually think of their programs in terms of KE.
-It was suggested that a logic model should be applied to the KE initiative.
-KE, life-long learning, and skill development was discussed.  The team feels that it is a 'process' learning, not a 'content' learning issue.  So, it's learning to learn and learning to adapt that is critical.
-The KE - Employment Success team is drafting a list of employability concepts that our group can use to identify effective actions for our team.  What makes someone able to succeed in the workplace can begin to be learned in school, thus interfacing with school success and our efforts.  We will review the list next time to further our discussion on action for our team.

So, we will strive to foster the 'soft skills' for life (process oriented, knowing how to learn).

And, we are watching for a lack of programs in Ohio that are specific to 'soft skills' so that new programs to address these issues can be explored.

Thus, we wish to create an inventory of relevant Extension programs split by target audiences - teachers/administration, parents, students, and community leaders.

Action Items (primarily for Rick to achieve because they relate to the bigger KE initative, not just SS - thanks Rick ):
-Send out general invitation on KE involvement to all-extension, followed by an announcement on how to report KE activities in URS.
-Discuss with Administration and Comm Tech the possibility of adding links from the OSU Extension website to the KE website.
-Propose to the KE leaders that they use a logic model to identify outcomes, outputs, etc.
-Provide the list of employability concepts for our group to review at the next meeting.
-Explore options to promote the KE concept, such as during the fall streaming video administrative update, at annual conference with a keynote speaker or as part of a general session, or with a narrated powerpoint presentation.
-Ask Jerry if the 'charge' document can be widely published.
-Create a database for the inventory of programs that includes an audience identifier.

-Everyone, tailor your comments during the strategic planning sessions with KE in mind.
-Everyone, send Rick information on KE programs within Extension.

Next Meeting:
Please respond with your availability during the weeks of Jun 18th & 25th.

Thank you!
Dana