Mini Guide to SAGE Process
Background
- SAGE stands for Systematic Approach for Guttman Effectiveness and is an institutional effectiveness framework that integrates planning, assessment, and resources in support of the college mission and ongoing improvement.
- SAGE uses alignments to link unit-level practices and institutional-level priorities and to review how well we are progressing toward college strategic plan goals, divisional goals, and accreditation standards.
- SAGE guides areas through a three part planning, assessment, and improvement process:
- Stage 1 Planning—Identifying annual practices and aligning unit-level practices to institutional goals.
- Stage 2 Inquiry—Identifying assessment questions, data sources, and assessment methods; recording evidence; comparing targets and actuals to determine effectiveness.
- Stage 3 Insight—Describing accomplishments, challenges, ideas for improvement, and resource needs.
- SAGE creates a shared space of information to strengthen transparency and inclusiveness.
- SAGE Profiles represent unit-level work (e.g., operational areas, student support areas, academic programs, committees, task forces).
- SAGE Profile Leaders are typically directors, faculty coordinators, or committee chairs who work in collaboration with their areas’ team members.
Examples of Usage
- Document annual unit-level planning, assessment efforts, accomplishments and challenges to guide decisions about resources and improvements at the unit level.
- Use annual SAGE profiles for academic programs to prepare for multi-year PPR reports.
- Use area-level SAGE practices and findings to develop Emergent Themes Report about strategic plan progress.
- Use area-level SAGE practices and findings to review progress toward Middle States accreditation standards.
