Directions
Download the Discovery Template [DOCX] to your computer, save it in a convenient location, and use it as the basis for your assignment. The template contains specific instructions to guide you through each element of the paper, including further information to help you complete the following:

Synthesize appropriate information sources, including scholarly literature, to carry out discovery in relation to an affirmative topic.
Develop a positive core map of the organization involved in an appreciative inquiry.
Describe what you would do with the findings if you were implementing an AI plan.
Describe best practices for ensuring that diversity and inclusion are fostered in the professional context of an appreciative inquiry.
Describe how insights from instructor feedback, peer feedback, Smarthinking, and the Writing Development Plan were applied during drafting and revision.
Convey purpose, in an appropriate tone and style, incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.
Note: You are free to add additional material to your assignment beyond the guidelines in the template, if you think the material is relevant and adds value. Follow APA formatting standards for all added material.

Important Reminders
Before beginning the assignment, review the Discovery Scoring Guide. The scoring guide will give you a clear idea of what content must be included and of how your assignment will be evaluated by your instructor.
Refer back to the scoring guide frequently as you write your assignment and one final time before you submit the assignment to your instructor. Make revisions as required.
Use the spelling and grammar check in your word processing program and correct any issues before submitting your paper.
Use the assignment area to submit your completed assignment to your instructor as an attachment. Do not paste your assignment into the text box.
Remember the Education Library Research Guide as you complete your research for academic sources. Feel free to also make use of the Library Help page, with email, phone, and chat help options.
Additional Requirements
Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current edition APA style and formatting.
Sources: Minimum of six peer-reviewed, scholarly sources.
Length: 710 pages, double-spaced, not counting title and reference pages.
Font and font size: 12-point Times New Roman.

Whitney, D. D., & Trosten-Bloom, A. (2010). The power of appreciative inquiry: A practical guide to positive change (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Read Chapter 8: Start of chapter through “Expanding the Context for Excellence,” pages 177181.

Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies:

Competency 1: Apply theories, strategies, and resources that facilitate professional and inclusive relationships with diverse, multicultural stakeholders.
Develop a positive core map of the organization involved in an appreciative inquiry.
Describe what you would do with the findings if you were implementing an AI plan.
Describe best practices for ensuring that diversity and inclusion are fostered in the professional context of an appreciative inquiry.
Competency 2: Apply information literacy skills to locate scholarly data, theories, and research.
Analyze appropriate information sources to carry out discovery and to document results in relation to an affirmative topic.
Competency 4: Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and appropriate to purpose.
Describe how insights from instructor feedback, peer feedback, and the Writing Development Plan were applied during drafting and revision.
Convey purpose, in an appropriate tone and style, incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.