Phoenix Think Tank

Revitalization of the regionalized Phoenix Think Tank (PTT) is led by three Maricopa Community College presidents, Dr. Ken Atwater, South Mountain Community College, Dr. Eugene Giovannini, Gateway Community College, and Dr. Anna Solley, Phoenix College.

The Phoenix Think Tank is committed to an ongoing system-wide collaborative process, through which schools, colleges, universities, business, government and community work harmoniously to provide a seamless system of learning and a culture of achievement.  Its mission is to develop new innovations, measure successes, share proven practices, acquire new resources and strengthen partnerships with a common goal of enhancing the quality of life for the communities of metropolitan Phoenix.

Immediate objectives:

Student Assessment/Placement Focus Team 2004-2005

• In an effort to increase linkages, eliminate unnecessary barriers, and improve student success, this focus team will explore options for assessment and appropriate course placement. 

Strategies

• Conduct an inventory of assessment/placement instruments being used district-wide
• Connect Phoenix and Tempe Union High Schools with college faculty to compare and discuss curriculum and student assessment
• Discuss AIMS outcomes with the AZ Department of Education and compare these outcomes to expectations of MCCD placement tests
• Explore options for assessment and course placement Develop recommendations for a pilot to be conducted at SMCC, PC and GWCC

Curriculum Alignment Focus Team

• Paralleling efforts of the Student Assessment/Placement Focus Team, the Curriculum Alignment Focus Team will focus on the value of working collaboratively towards a long-term goal of curriculum alignment between participating high schools and Maricopa colleges.
  • Facilitate dialogue and ultimate activity between participating high school districts and MCCD colleges.
  • Generate communication within disciplines among participating high schools and community colleges.

Other opportunities the Phoenix Think Tank is discussing include:

• Functioning as an incubator for regional innovative policies and programs
• Collaborating with other Think Tanks on P-20 statewide initiatives
• Sponsoring instructional discipline retreats
• Curriculum and assessment alignment
• Training for new school board members

The Phoenix Think Tank will continually strive to establish strategic partnerships, host regularly scheduled meetings and develop a communication network to facilitate the identification of common goals and maximize opportunities for members to work collaboratively.

Organizational Structure

Executive Committee

• Serve as a steering team for the PTT and is responsible for strategic planning
• Provides direction and funding, if available to the Focus Teams
• Determines viability of creating and/or maintaining Focus Teams
• Supports Focus Team activities
  Meets quarterly
• Evaluates outcomes and successes
• Serve as official spokesperson(s) for the PTT

The 2004-2005 Executive Committee is comprised of Dr. Ken Atwater, President, South Mountain Community College; Dr. Eugene Giovannini, President, GateWay Community College; Dr. Anna Solley, Acting President, Phoenix College; Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick, Acting Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Maricopa Community Colleges; Dr. Shirley Miles, Superintendent, Tempe Union High School District; Alex Pensiero, community representative; Dr. Trino Sandoval, Phoenix College; and Dr. Raul Sandoval, South Mountain Community College.

Focus Teams

• May change from year to year (The Executive Committee determines the number of teams.)
• Are comprised of representatives of member institutions and organizations with an elected or volunteer chair or co-chairs
• Are driven by the needs and common goals of the Focus Team members
• Establish annual goals and develop an action plan relating to a specific area of interest shared by each of the team members
• Report annually to the Executive Committee on activities and outcomes

Promote dialogue and action across institutional/organizational lines.

For additional information, contact: Raul Sandoval or call 602.243.8029.