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FSNet Structure & Services
A Learning Network
The Financial Services Network (FSNet) had its kickoff meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 1999. It was an enthusiastic meeting attended by over forty people representing teams from 16 high schools from Sonoma to Monterey. Participants shared best practices, identified common problems, and shared some great ideas in addition to having the opportunity to network with other practitioners.
One of the day's outcomes was the development of a system to identify best practices and advance the development of our STC models. Information gathered through Network activities is communicated to the membership and opportunities for technical assistance and professional development are provided.
The FSNet is based on the following ideas and components:
- BaySCAN as a resource/information broker
- Issue forums
- Communications
- Site visitation program
- Regional advisory councils
- Meetings/workshops/professional development
BaySCAN as Resource/Information Broker
One of the key roles of BaySCAN's Network coordinator is to identify issues & concerns, solicit feedback from the Network members and disseminate information that will help us refine our definition of best practices and target areas for support. We have great expertise, knowledge, and experience within our practitioner group and by identifying and organizing this wealth of information we can advance all of our work.
Issues Forums
Members of the Network come together around programmatic issues to:
- Focus on quality measures
- Document the approaches that others have used
- Perform an analysis to identify any gaps in existing strategies
- Use the gap analysis to conduct targeted research/problem solving
- Find an appropriate way to "publish" findings so the rest of the Network can benefit
Communications
BaySCAN serves a large and diverse area-from the Oregon boarder to the Monterey Bay. The Network recognizes how busy everyone is and the need to make the best use of our time. Communications is primarily electronic. We maintain a listserv newsletter, web site, and occasionally convene conference calls. You can subscribe to our listserv by using the listserv subscription form.
Site Visits
Another way to exchange information within the Network is through site visits made by BaySCAN's coordinator. Site visits provide the basis to begin compiling site profiles that will be published as part of a Network directory that will be distributed to the Network members. This is also an opportunity to identify best practices, identify issues and concerns, and provide technical assistance.
Regional Advisory Council
A regional advisory council is being established to complement school site advisory boards by focusing on regional issues such as the development of:
- Industry standards
- Curriculum
- Assessment measures
- Regional employer engagement plan
- Regional articulation agreements with post secondary institutions
Future Meetings/Workshops/Professional Development
Meetings are limited to one or two per year and will provide opportunities for networking, sharing Issues Forum results in a workshop type format, and provide professional development opportunities specifically appropriate to the Network.
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