Welcome to the second edition of Field Notes! This brief newsletter is my space to share what I’m seeing in the field, practical resources you may find useful, updates on new tools and courses, and lessons learned while working alongside college educators committed to improving student success. (Check out the 1st edition.)
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Campus Visit Spotlight
It's always a gift to collaborate with fellow former Marine, Dr. Lennor Johnson, president at Aspen-Prize winning Imperial Valley College. Our shared military experience means we have an unwavering practicality to getting things done (especially equity work) and always keep our mission at the center regardless of sector. In higher education, that means students.
Learn about Imperial Valley College's Aspen Prize.
(Check out my Instagram for more pics)
For over a year, I've had the privilege of coaching the integrated Guided Pathways and Equity Plan workgroups. They have done tremendous work to strengthen the student experience at an institution serving one of the most disproportionately impacted student populations.
During this visit, I supported the development of Imperial Valley College's next Educational Master Plan through a dynamic, interactive, and highly collaborative session. As always, Imperial educators showed up ready to engage, challenge assumptions, address barriers, and contribute to creating thoughtful and actionable strategies. It's a privilege to coach Imperial Valley College.
While it's bitter sweet, congratulations to Dr. Lennor Johnson on his next role: President of MiraCosta College! They're very lucky to have him!
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Resource Spotlight
Don't have time to read, but while you're stuck in traffic or traveling you want to listen to 1-2 minute inspirational messages that reaffirm and/or challenge your thinking to help strengthen your craft as an educator?
An educator pointed that when you download the Substack app on your phone, there's a listening function! Try it out on one of the most popular resources:
Identifying & addressing campus bullying
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Behind-the-Scenes Spotlight
Image: Math Equity in Action Academy
Success in my line of work is rarely about the frameworks; it is about the behind-the-scenes decisions, mindset shifts, and deep implementation work that happens within and in between the meetings. I am sharing a personal piece detailing 15 key insights I have gathered throughout my coaching career. It is a candid look at the realities of driving real outcomes and building a business that lasts.
I share this resource in case you, a friend, a family member, or students at your campus are considering an entrepreneurial path. I hope you find it insightful.
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Meaningful PD
In case you missed it! New Mini-Course: From Strategy to Implementation
For years, college educators have asked me to create professional development that is practical, super affordable, flexible, and focused on one thing: How do we move from planning to action?
I finally built it.
My new mini-course, From Strategy to Implementation, is designed for practitioners who are responsible for turning institutional priorities into coordinated action. Participants will learn how to:
-Diagnose why execution fails
-Apply the Inputs → Outputs implementation model
-Use the Three Cs: Clarity, Coherence, and Consensus
-Draft visuals that clarify intended outcomes
-Convert strategy into realistic action plans
-Manage time realistically using Dr. Al’s Three-Month Rule
-Address political and cultural barriers that slow progress
Learn more here: Explore the Mini-Course
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Thank you for spending a few minutes with me. I appreciate the opportunity to continue learning alongside educators who are doing the challenging but meaningful work of improving outcomes for students.
See you in the next edition.
Onward…
Dr. Al Solano
Founder, Continuous Learning Institute | About Services
A meaningful test of success is how helpful we are in contributing to our fellow human being’s happiness.
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