Topic: Successful First-Year Experience Implementation

Key Insights

1. Define What FYE Means for Your Campus
A First-Year Experience (FYE) program should:

- Support students’ transition to college.
- Offer comprehensive, wraparound services, including advising, educational planning, and transfer guidance.
- Build learning communities tied to meta-majors, ensuring students take classes relevant to their goals.
- At our college, FYE is a year-long, cohort-based program serving over 2,500 students annually across 50+ learning communities.

2. Build Strong Partnerships
Dr. Mosqueda emphasizes that partnerships are the backbone of a successful FYE program:

- Collaborate with outreach teams to connect with local high schools.
- Align efforts with tuition-free programs such as Promise to provide seamless support.
- Partner with the transfer center to integrate transfer workshops and resources early.

3. Start Small, But Plan for Growth
Incremental steps can lay the foundation for a robust program:

- Begin with a few cohorts based on key meta-majors.
- Identify faculty who are passionate about teaching first-year students and provide professional development.
- Track student outcomes and use the data to advocate for additional resources.

4. Prioritize Comprehensive Support
Students at our college's FYE program benefit from:

Dedicated Counseling: Students develop both abbreviated and comprehensive educational plans, helping them visualize their path to transfer or graduation.
Financial Aid Training: Partnering with financial aid ensures students complete necessary paperwork and understand how academic decisions impact aid eligibility.
Cohort Learning: Students take at least half of their first-year classes with FYE faculty who are trained to support their unique needs.

5. Focus on Retention and Outcomes
FYE students at our college consistently outperform their peers:

- Retention Rates: 96% of FYE students persist through their first year (compared to 67% for non-FYE students).
- Credit Completion: On average, FYE students complete 21 units in their first year, versus 9-10 units for others.
- Transfer Readiness: FYE students are three times more likely to transfer.

6. Stay Flexible and Evolve
Our FYE program has adapted over 20 years:

- Integrated meta-majors to align cohorts with career pathways.
- Expanded support for dual enrollment students to accelerate their progress.
- Adjusted services to meet students’ needs, offering virtual study groups and social events.

7. Key Advice for Starting an FYE Program
Secure Institutional Commitment: Programs need dedicated staff, including full-time coordinators, counselors, and success coaches.
Embrace Data: Use metrics to demonstrate program success and guide adjustments.
Be Patient: Success takes time. Start with a clear vision and build incrementally.

Final Thought: Partnerships Drive Success
Dr. Mosqueda’s parting advice: “Relationships, relationships, relationships.” Collaboration across departments and alignment with college-wide initiatives like Guided Pathways are crucial for creating a sustainable and impactful FYE program.

Topic: Effective Dual Enrollment Implementation

Key Insights

1. Adopt the Dual Enrollment Equity Pathways (DEEP) Framework
To ensure dual enrollment programs are equitable and impactful, John Fink highlights four critical components:

Outreach: Actively engage underserved schools and families. Build awareness early—starting in middle school—and provide accessible, multilingual materials.
Alignment: Ensure courses align with college degrees and career pathways, allowing students to explore areas of interest and avoid redundancy with high school requirements.
Advising: Offer personalized guidance to help students understand how dual enrollment fits into their long-term educational goals.
Support: Deliver high-quality instruction with built-in academic supports to maintain high pass rates and confidence among students.

2. Break Down Barriers
Fink identifies common obstacles that prevent equitable access:

Cumbersome Enrollment Processes: Simplify applications and eliminate outdated requirements, such as wet signatures.
Lack of Awareness: Partner with high schools and community organizations to educate students and families about opportunities.
Inflexible Scheduling: Offer courses during school hours and at high school campuses to accommodate students’ schedules.
Successful programs meet students where they are, both literally and figuratively.

3. Focus on Underrepresented Students
Dual enrollment often disproportionately benefits students already on a college-bound track. To counter this trend:

- Partner with Title I schools and target outreach to low-income and first-generation students.
- Highlight career and technical education (CTE) pathways to attract students interested in applied fields.
- Offer introductory, confidence-building courses that expose students to the possibilities of higher education.

4. Invest in Quality and Support
High pass rates (90-95%) are a hallmark of successful dual enrollment programs. To sustain this:

- Provide training for high school instructors teaching college-level courses.
- Integrate wraparound supports, such as tutoring and advising, to ensure students thrive academically.
- Use multiple measures, rather than single tests, for placement into dual enrollment programs.

5. Use Data to Guide and Improve
Effective dual enrollment directors:

- Analyze disaggregated data to identify gaps in access and success by race, income, and other factors.
- Track outcomes to adjust outreach strategies and improve program design.
- Build relationships with high school leaders and tailor efforts to individual school contexts.

6. Think Long-Term
Dual enrollment should be more than a one-off experience. It’s an entry point into a larger pathway:

- Help students connect their coursework to transfer or career goals.
- Use dual enrollment as a bridge to guided pathways, ensuring a seamless transition to college.

Final Thought: Leadership Matters
As Fink underscores, successful dual enrollment programs require strong, strategic leadership. Leaders must see dual enrollment not as an isolated initiative but as a cornerstone of their institution’s mission to expand access, equity, and long-term student success.

Topic: Undoing the Grade

Key Insights

1. Start with the “Why” of Grading
Before diving into strategies, Stommel emphasizes the importance of reflection:

Ask Yourself: What is education for? What kinds of relationships do you want to build with students?
Challenge Assumptions: Are grades fostering learning or simply ranking students? Research shows grades can harm intrinsic motivation and reinforce inequities.
Practical Tip: Reflect on your teaching philosophy and write a four-word summary (e.g., Start by trusting students).

2. Begin Conversations About Grades
Students often have anxiety tied to grades. Engage them in open discussions:

Ask Students: “How does it feel to be graded?” and “What does an A mean to you?”
Explain the Shift: Share why you’re exploring ungrading and how it will better support their learning.
Practical Tip: Use these conversations to co-create expectations and build trust.

3. Replace Grades with Feedback
Grades often fail to communicate learning effectively. Narrative feedback, on the other hand, helps students grow.

Individualize Feedback: Tailor responses to students’ needs. Not all students require the same level of feedback.
Invite Reflection: Ask students to submit self-evaluations, reflecting on their progress and challenges.
Practical Tip: If you’re teaching large classes, summarize trends from student reflections and share collective feedback.

4. Try Ungrading Gradually
For faculty new to ungrading, incremental changes can ease the transition:

Start Small: Apply ungrading to one assignment or unit. Focus on providing feedback instead of scores.
Collaborative Grading: Allow students to participate in determining their grades through self-assessments and dialogue.
Practical Tip: Experiment with “zero-point assignments” where students complete work for practice and exploration, not evaluation.

5. Rethink the Role of Assessment
Grades often serve bureaucratic purposes rather than learning goals. Instead:

Focus on Growth: Shift the emphasis from ranking to improvement and self-awareness.
Emphasize Metacognition: Encourage students to reflect on their learning journey.
Practical Tip: Redesign assignments to prioritize reflection and creativity over rote performance.

6. Address Institutional Constraints
Many institutions still require final grades. Here’s how to navigate this:

Align with Policy: Understand your institution’s grading requirements to ensure compliance.
Empower Students: Allow them to decide their final grades based on their self-evaluations and feedback from you.
Practical Tip: Document your grading process transparently to help students and colleagues understand your approach.

7. Build Relationships with Students
At its core, ungrading is about creating a supportive, equitable environment where students feel empowered to learn.

Trust Students: Engage them as partners in their education, not passive recipients of grades.
Center Equity: Recognize that traditional grading systems disproportionately harm marginalized students and design assessments to mitigate these barriers.

Final Thought
As Stommel reminds us, “Ask your students. Talk to your students. That’s where the wisdom will come from.” By reimagining assessment, we can foster deeper learning, reduce anxiety, and create classrooms where all students can thrive.

Topic: Equitable STEM Pathways

Key Insights

1. Center Student Voices
Students’ lived experiences are critical for understanding barriers and opportunities in STEM education:

Ask Students: Conduct focus groups or surveys to understand their challenges and aspirations.
Recognize Agency: Celebrate students’ resilience and brilliance, while acknowledging systemic barriers that make their journeys harder than they should be.
Action Step: Incorporate reflective prompts in class to encourage students to share their needs and experiences.

2. Address Structural Barriers
Barriers such as financial insecurity, lack of credit transferability, and limited course availability disproportionately affect marginalized students.

Expand Financial Aid: Advocate for scholarships specifically for transfer students.
Streamline Course Transfers: Ensure articulation agreements map directly to degree requirements.
Increase Course Offerings: Offer key courses like transferable STEM prerequisites more frequently.
Action Step: Audit your institution’s STEM pathways to identify and remove barriers in transfer credit policies.

3. Rethink Faculty Engagement
Faculty play a pivotal role in creating equitable classrooms but may unintentionally perpetuate inequities:

Listen Actively: Avoid dismissing students’ struggles; instead, collaborate to find solutions.
Adopt Growth Mindsets: Shift away from emphasizing innate talent to celebrating effort and persistence.
Reflect and Unlearn: Regularly evaluate teaching practices to identify and remove inequitable habits.
Action Step: Use professional development sessions to explore equitable teaching strategies, such as culturally responsive pedagogy.

4. Build Institutional Trust and Community
Isolation and lack of support can hinder faculty from innovating or adopting equity-focused practices:

Foster Collaboration: Create communities of practice where faculty can share challenges and successes.
Redefine PD: Replace passive in-service days with active problem-solving workshops.
Trust Faculty: Give educators the time and space to explore new approaches without fear of failure.
Action Step: Organize faculty learning circles to tackle specific equity challenges in STEM education.

5. Use Incremental, Persistent Efforts
Dr. Wang likens equity work to barre fitness: small, repetitive, and targeted efforts build lasting strength:

- Focus on the core of the student experience—advising, financial support, and transfer preparation.
- Invest in long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.
- Measure and celebrate incremental progress.
Action Step: Start with small, manageable changes, such as revising one course or improving communication about transfer options.

6. Advocate for Institutional Change
Equity work cannot fall solely on faculty. Institutions must lead the charge:

Rethink Faculty Development: Move away from rigid structures and allow faculty to direct their own learning.
Challenge the Status Quo: Push back against outdated practices, such as overreliance on remediation.
Action Step: Form cross-departmental teams to assess and redesign inequitable institutional practices.

Final Thought: Equity as Collaboration
Dr. Wang emphasizes that equity is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing, collective effort. “Unlearning and relearning must happen together, grounded in trust and reflection,” she states. By centering students, supporting faculty, and dismantling systemic barriers, we can create STEM pathways where students thrive.

Topic: What We've Learned from Research on Guided Pathways & Student Success Since Redesigning America's Community Colleges

Key Insights

1. Understand the Core of Guided Pathways
Guided Pathways is about redesigning community colleges to help students succeed. It has four essential components:

High-Value Programs: Ensure every program leads to either a good job or junior standing in a bachelor’s degree major.
Clear Plans: Help students develop a full program plan by the end of their first term.
Engaged Communities: Build academic and career communities (i.e., meta-majors) where students connect with peers and faculty.
Strong Start: Deliver active, experiential learning in the first term to boost student confidence and engagement.
Action Step: Start by auditing your programs and identifying which ones meet these high-value criteria.

2. Move Beyond Checklists
Mapping programs and creating meta-majors is a great first step, but true transformation happens when you focus on the student experience:

- Engage students early in their program of interest.
- Ensure foundational courses are well-taught and relevant to their goals.
- Replace bureaucratic processes with personal, meaningful connections.
Action Step: Evaluate whether your onboarding process connects students with faculty and peers in their fields of interest.

3. Apply More Equity Intentionality
Guided Pathways naturally supports equity by providing clear structures and fostering a sense of belonging for institutions that serve the highest number of disproportionately impacted students. To take it further:

Disaggregate Data: Analyze who is entering and completing high-opportunity programs. Are there equity disparities?
Challenge Low Expectations: Avoid remediation traps by providing rigorous, well-supported college-level courses from the start.
Empower Exploration: Help underserved students access and thrive in high-value programs.
Action Step: Use the CCRC equity tool to assess whether students of color, first-generation, and low-income students are equitably represented in high-opportunity programs.

4. Engage Faculty as Key Players
Faculty are essential for creating engaging learning experiences:

Invest in Teaching: Provide professional development for active and experiential teaching methods.
Support Collaboration: Build interdisciplinary teams to create cohesive academic and career communities.
Give Time: Offer release time for faculty to work on program mapping and curriculum design.
Action Step: Form faculty-led success teams for each meta-major to integrate teaching, advising, and career exploration.

5. Start Small but Think Big
Transforming an institution takes time. Begin with achievable steps while planning for systemic change:

Incremental Implementation: Incrementally bring to life academic and career communities that create a sense of belonging for students.
Leverage Data: Use course completion rates, credit accumulation, and student feedback to refine your approach.
Optimize Resources: Reallocate existing funding and staff strategically to support Guided Pathways efforts that continually improve the student experience. 
Action Step: Focus on engaging students already on campus by connecting them to meaningful communities and clear pathways.

6. Leadership Matters—but So Does Collaboration
While presidential leadership is important, change often begins in the middle:

Empower Deans and Faculty Leaders: Give them the autonomy and resources to innovate.
Break Down Silos: Encourage cross-department collaboration between academics and student services.
Sustain Momentum: Keep the work alive even through leadership transitions.
Action Step: Create mechanisms for faculty, advisors, and staff to work together on improving the student experience.

Final Thought
As Dr. Jenkins reminds us, “Good teaching and a sense of community are at the heart of Guided Pathways.” By focusing on these elements, colleges can truly transform into institutions that support equitable student success.

Topic: Approaches to Transformational Change 

Key Insights

1. Build a Framework for Equity
Transformation begins with understanding why equity matters. Start by disaggregating data to identify disparities and critically examine the systems producing inequitable outcomes. Use student journey frameworks like Completion by Design and Guided Pathways to evaluate student progress at four critical stages:

Connection: Are students entering programs that lead to meaningful careers?
Entry: Is their first-year experience setting them up for success?
Progress: Are they receiving support to maintain momentum? Is the pedagogy quality and grading equitable?
Completion: Are they achieving credentials that align with their goals?

For employees, adopt similar principles by examining recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and exit processes to ensure equity and inclusion.

2. Move Beyond Statements
Statements of intent are not enough—implement "Steps Beyond Statements." Define specific actions tied to your mission. For instance, instead of generic goals, commit to equity-focused redesigns at every level: curriculum development, support services, and professional growth.

3. Simplify Structures for Action
Traditional committee structures often stifle progress. Replace standing committees with time-limited workgroups focused on specific outcomes. Support these groups with administrative assistance and clear timelines. Focus on execution over analysis.

4. Prioritize Professional Development
Equip educators with tools and strategies for improvement. When faculty outcomes lag, offer pedagogy resources and embedded supports such as supplemental instruction or co-teaching opportunities. Shift from punitive approaches to growth-focused interventions.

5. Foster a Culture of Co-Creation
Transformational change requires co-creation, not mere buy-in. Engage diverse voices early to ensure shared ownership of initiatives. Transparency and participatory governance are essential for trust and alignment.

6. Adopt a Coaching Mindset
Dr. Baston's "L's" of leadership offer a roadmap for effective coaching:

Levity: Lift spirits and foster joy in the work.
Leverage: Balance competing priorities to maximize opportunities.
Learning: Be a learner first, understanding others’ perspectives.
Love: Demonstrate care for students, colleagues, and the mission.

7. Embrace Flexibility and Innovation
The pandemic highlighted the need for adaptable systems. Reimagine schedules, course delivery, and program offerings to meet students' evolving needs. Accelerated credentials and nontraditional pathways can open doors for those unable to commit to extended timelines.

8. Lead with Relationships, Outcomes, and Improvements (ROI)
Transformational leadership stems from influence, not titles. Focus on building strong relationships, achieving measurable outcomes, and leaving every place better than you found it.

Topic: Creating a Culture of Dignity

Key Insights

1. Understand and Leverage Student Strengths
Students from marginalized backgrounds often have immense strengths, such as resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills honed through adversity. However, these are frequently misunderstood or overlooked. Educators can help students recognize and apply these strengths in academic settings by:

- Incorporating team-based learning to capitalize on students’ collaborative abilities.
- Employing problem-based learning to utilize their innate ingenuity.
- Encouraging students to reflect on their life experiences and integrate them into learning.

2. Address the Physiology of Learning
Many students are triggered by the traditional culture of higher education, which can activate stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, appease) and shut down the brain’s learning center—the cortex. To counteract this:

- Start each class with 2-4 minutes of calming activities, such as breathing exercises or mindfulness practices.
- Create a non-threatening, psychologically safe environment that allows students to relax and engage deeply.
- Avoid triggering students with punitive or overly rigid classroom norms.

3. Create Healing and Belonging
Marginalized students thrive in environments that reflect their cultural values of connection and care. Build these conditions by:

- Fostering a culture of dignity and love, where students feel genuinely seen and valued.
- Designing a pedagogy of belonging with activities that promote psychological safety and community.
- Contextualizing curriculum through social justice themes to align with students’ lived experiences and passions.

For example, Navarro’s program integrated physics, chemistry, and biology around a central theme (e.g., the human heart) while grounding lessons in social justice contexts.

4. Facilitate Faculty Transformation
Faculty must also undergo transformation to support student success. Navarro recommends:

- In alignment with Dr. Al Solano's approach, helping faculty shift from external attributions (blaming students) to internal attributions (reflecting on how they can improve their teaching practices).
- Providing experiential learning for faculty to help them understand their own working styles and those of others.
- Encouraging faculty to co-regulate with students by embodying calmness and connection, becoming antidotes to the stresses students face.

5. Build Gravity and Glue
To counter the forces that pull students away from college, institutions need to create both "gravity" (a strong connection to the institution) and "glue" (a sense of community). Strategies include:

- Designing onboarding experiences that inspire students and build resilience within the first few weeks.
- Using student-driven projects and contextualized learning to keep students engaged and motivated.
- Training faculty in practices that foster belonging and connection in the classroom.

By focusing on belonging, healing, and strengths-based teaching, educators can create transformative experiences that enable marginalized students to thrive—not just academically but in life. As Navarro emphasizes, “What gets watered grows.”

Topic: Labor Market Data To Improve Equitable Outcomes

Key Insights

1. Reframe the Goal: Beyond Graduation
Labor market data allows colleges to focus not just on getting students to graduate but ensuring their success after college. Ask:

- Are our programs leading to living-wage careers?
- Are students of all backgrounds represented equitably in high-opportunity fields?
Action Step: Use tools like Lightcast to analyze employment outcomes and identify gaps in program alignment with living-wage jobs.

2. Incorporate Data into Program Design
Labor market data can guide decisions about which programs to offer or revise:

High-Demand Fields: Identify growing industries and ensure program curricula align with employer needs.
Equity Focus: Assess whether marginalized groups are underrepresented in programs linked to living-wage and/or high-paying careers.
Action Step: Audit your program offerings and align them with current and projected labor market trends.

3. Connect Students to Career Pathways Early
Students often struggle to see how their studies translate to careers. Help them connect the dots:

- Use labor market data to show students the career outcomes associated with different programs.
- Provide data-driven career advising that incorporates wages, job openings, and skill requirements.
Action Step: Embed career exploration activities and labor market insights into onboarding and first-year experience programs.

4. Broaden the Conversation to All Fields
Career preparation isn’t just for CTE programs. Even students in humanities and social sciences benefit from understanding their options:

- Highlight transferable skills like critical thinking and communication valued across industries.
- Show students examples of graduates working in unexpected but rewarding fields.
Action Step: Develop career-focused materials for every department, connecting degree programs to real-world opportunities.

5. Foster Faculty and Staff Engagement
To make labor market data actionable, faculty and staff must be part of the conversation:

Train faculty to incorporate career connections into their teaching.
Use labor market insights to guide professional development and curriculum updates.
Action Step: Host workshops where faculty and staff explore labor market trends and discuss implications for their programs.

6. Use Data to Advance Equity
Labor market data can uncover disparities in access to high-opportunity careers:

- Are students of color or women disproportionately enrolled in lower-paying fields?
- Are barriers in onboarding or advising steering certain groups away from STEM or healthcare programs?
Action Step: Disaggregate labor market data by race, gender, and income to identify and address equity gaps.

7. Start Small, Scale Strategically
Labor market data is vast, but you don’t need to tackle everything at once:

- Pilot career-connected teaching in a few courses or programs.
- Share labor market insights at department meetings to build interest.
Action Step: Begin by focusing on one high-demand field and expand as you build capacity.

Final Thought
As Dr. Johnstone says, “Higher education is about more than economic mobility—but to our students, it’s the most pressing priority.” By integrating labor market data into program design and student services, colleges can ensure that every graduate is equipped for meaningful, well-paying work.

Topic: Adult Learner Outcomes

Key Insights

1. Redefine Adult Learners
Adult learners often carry responsibilities like work and caregiving that shape their educational needs. Booth emphasizes:

Broadening the Definition: It’s not just about age—many “traditional” students juggle adult-level responsibilities.
Inclusive Design: Design programs that cater to all learners, whether they’re returning adults or first-time students with non-traditional needs.
Action Step: Survey your student population to identify challenges and priorities that align with adult learners’ realities.

2. Focus on Flexibility
Rigid schedules and traditional structures are barriers for many adult learners. Booth suggests:

- Offering short-term credentials and stackable pathways that allow students to make measurable progress quickly.
- Partnering with workforce agencies for flexible delivery models, like non-credit programs or modular courses.
Action Step: Audit your course offerings to ensure scheduling options meet the needs of working students.

3. Leverage Skills Builder Data
“Skills builders” are students who take one or two courses to upskill for immediate career needs. These learners:

- Often achieve short-term economic gains.
- Could benefit from follow-up advising to complete stackable credentials or degrees.
Action Step: Use tools like LaunchBoard to analyze skills builder patterns and develop outreach strategies to re-engage these students.

4. Prioritize Equity
Adult learners, particularly those of color or from low-income backgrounds, often face systemic barriers. To address this:

- Provide career-focused advising that highlights long-term options, not just short-term gains.
- Align liberal arts and technical skills, giving students the tools to succeed in both entry-level jobs and management roles.
Action Step: Disaggregate program data by demographics to identify inequities and prioritize resources where they’re most needed.

5. Build Clear Career Pathways
Many adult learners don’t see a clear connection between education and career opportunities. Booth highlights the need to:

- Help students understand the value of their skills and how they align with regional job markets.
- Collaborate with local employers to create stackable credentials tied to high-demand fields.
Action Step: Integrate labor market data into advising and program design to better connect coursework with career outcomes.

6. Engage Faculty in the Change Process
Faculty are critical in reshaping the student experience. Booth recommends:

- Training faculty to use labor market data in their teaching and advising.
- Encouraging career-connected teaching that highlights the real-world applications of classroom concepts.
Action Step: Offer workshops on how faculty can align coursework with evolving labor market demands.

7. Move Beyond Pilots
Small-scale programs often fail to create systemic change. Booth emphasizes:

- Shifting from pilots to institution-wide reforms that benefit all students.
- Focusing on structural changes, such as flexible scheduling or comprehensive advising systems, that make colleges more responsive to student needs.
Action Step: Use a systems-change approach like Guided Pathways to redesign programs and processes across the institution.

Final Thought: Start with Students’ Needs
“Meet students where they are,” Booth advises. By focusing on flexibility, equity, and clear pathways to economic mobility, colleges can transform outcomes for adult learners while strengthening their communities.

Topic: Transformation in Math

Key Insights

1. Start with the “Why”
Reforming math instruction begins with a clear understanding of why change is necessary:

- Traditional placement tests (like Accuplacer) placed many students into remedial math courses unnecessarily, creating barriers to graduation.
- Progression studies showed that students placed into developmental math often never reached transfer-level courses due to high attrition rates.
Action Step: Share disaggregated data with faculty to highlight inequities in student outcomes and build a sense of urgency for change.

2. Replace Placement Exams with Multiple Measures
At my college, placement decisions are based on high school GPA and the highest math course completed, rather than standardized tests. This approach:

- Drastically reduced the number of students placed into remedial courses.
- Allowed many students to succeed in transfer-level math from the start.
Action Step: Validate high school GPA as a reliable placement tool and develop a transparent self-placement process for students.

3. Implement Corequisite Support
Corequisite courses provide essential support for students entering transfer-level math:

- Students enroll directly in transfer-level math with a two-unit support course to build skills and confidence.
- The support course is integrated with the main course, taught by the same instructor, and framed as part of a cohesive learning experience.
Action Step: Design corequisite courses to align directly with transfer-level courses and include opportunities for growth mindset development and skill-building.

4. Align Math Pathways with Student Goals
The college created six distinct math pathways tailored to students’ academic and career interests:

- STEM (e.g., pre-calculus leading to calculus).
- Business and social sciences (business calculus).
- Statistics (for liberal arts and general education).
- Teacher preparation (math for elementary teachers)
- Liberal arts (practical math for everyday life).
- Career education (CTE-aligned math courses).
Action Step: Work with faculty and advisors to map math pathways that align with guided pathways and degree requirements.

5. Focus on Improving Pedagogy
Structural reforms are only part of the solution. Teaching practices are essential for student success:

- Build students’ confidence by fostering a sense of belonging and trust.
- Use active and collaborative learning strategies such as the 360-degree classroom to engage students.
- Provide professional development for faculty to adopt innovative and sound teaching practices.
Action Step: Create faculty communities of practice to share strategies, refine instruction, and build a culture of continuous improvement.

6. Monitor and Celebrate Outcomes
The results of these reforms at the college were transformative:

- Completion rates for transfer-level math more than doubled.
- STEM enrollment surged as more students succeeded in pre-calculus and calculus.
- Equity disparities narrowed, particularly for Latina/o/x students, who saw dramatic increases in success rates.
Action Step: Regularly track and share data on course completion, equity gaps, and transfer outcomes to sustain momentum and celebrate successes.

Final Thought
Transforming math instruction is hard work, but it’s worth it. As Wangler puts it, “Math reform is the equity issue of our time.” By aligning placement practices, support structures, and teaching methods with student needs, colleges can break down barriers and create pathways to success for all learners.

Topic: Transformation in English

Key Insights

1. Rethink Developmental Education
Traditional developmental courses often act as barriers rather than pathways to success. Our college transitioned to:

Corequisite Support: Students enrolled directly in first-year composition while receiving built-in, just-in-time support.
Eliminating Placement Testing: Instead of categorizing students based on standardized tests, all students enter the same first-year composition course.
Action Step: Audit your placement and prerequisite policies to identify barriers for underrepresented students.

2. Use Data to Drive Change
Data helped the us highlight the flaws of traditional developmental education:

Disaggregated Outcomes: They found that traditional practices disproportionately harmed Black, Latina/o/x, and low-income students.
Throughput Analysis: While corequisite models in non-transfer courses improved short-term success, they didn’t significantly increase long-term completion rates.
Action Step: Regularly assess and share disaggregated data to make a compelling case for reform.

3. Build Faculty Buy-In
Change requires collaboration. We engaged resistant faculty by:

Sharing Stories: Visual data presentations highlighted the human impact of reform.
Opt-Out System: Faculty not ready for reform could choose other courses, reducing resistance.
Professional Development: Robust training such as trauma-informed teaching and labor-based grading.
Action Step: Offer ongoing, meaningful professional development to help faculty adopt new practices.

4. Center Equity in the Classroom
Our reforms shifted focus to equitable student outcomes by:

Labor-Based Grading: Grading students on effort and process rather than final products reduced anxiety and addressed disparities in preparation.
Integrated Reading and Writing: Students engaged in recursive cycles of reading and writing, reflecting on both processes.
Action Step: Incorporate grading practices and teaching strategies that emphasize process over perfection.

5. Focus on Systemic and Pedagogical Change
True reform requires aligning classroom practices with institutional structures:

Structural Change: Removing developmental course labels eliminated stigmas and ensured all students received equal opportunities.
Pedagogical Tools: Faculty integrated active learning, process-based writing, and other student-centered strategies into all courses.
Action Step: Align institutional policies with teaching practices to support scalable, sustainable reform.

6. Measure Success and Iterate
Our reforms delivered notable results:

Improved Success Rates: First-year composition success rates increased for all students, with a 10% gain for underrepresented minorities.
Reduced Costs: Students saved an average of $1,500 in tuition and up to 11 credits by bypassing remedial courses.
Action Step: Continuously monitor success rates, disaggregate outcomes, and refine practices to maintain momentum.

Final Thought
Transformational change requires persistence, collaboration, and a focus on addressing disparities. By combining structural reform with faculty training and clear data, colleges can turn developmental education into a true gateway for success.

Topic: Gateway Course Placement as a Catalyst for Institutional Transformation

Key Insights

1. Reimagine Placement as a Tool for Transformation
Traditional placement focuses on accuracy, but Dr. Karp’s research highlights a broader opportunity: using placement to drive systemic change in teaching, support services, and institutional structures. Placement reforms that integrate student agency and equity considerations can ripple across an institution, transforming its culture and practices.
Action Step: Start placement reform discussions by connecting the initiative to shared institutional values, such as student success and equity.

2. Explore Innovative Placement Models
Dr. Karp’s study identified three innovative approaches to placement:

Reflective Algorithms: Combine GPA and course history with self-assessments of skills, confidence, and basic needs. Institutions maintain placement control while incorporating student perspectives.
Guided Self-Placement: Allow students to place themselves after receiving clear guidance and information about course demands.
Diagnostic Just-in-Time Support: Provide universal access to transfer-level courses with tailored, real-time support like embedded tutoring or boot camps.
Action Step: Pilot one of these approaches to test its feasibility and impact on equity and student success.

3. Use Placement Reform to Engage Faculty and Staff
Placement reform often sparks discussions about pedagogy, equity, and student support:

- Faculty at some institutions used reflective algorithms to initiate conversations about how to support students with limited access to technology or stable internet.
- Guided self-placement frameworks encouraged departments to reexamine their expectations and teaching practices.
Action Step: Facilitate departmental meetings to align placement reforms with teaching and equity goals.

4. Build on Existing Strengths and Structures
Institutions can leverage existing resources and policies to implement reforms:

- Use late-start calendars to integrate corequisite support after initial assessments.
- Repurpose adult basic education or tutoring staff to provide targeted, just-in-time support within gateway courses.
Action Step: Audit institutional structures to identify opportunities for integration and scaling.

5. Focus on Equity Outcomes
Placement reforms can disproportionately benefit historically underserved students, including students of color, low-income learners, and English language learners. However, addressing placement alone is insufficient without aligning other institutional structures, like advising and curriculum design.
Action Step: Disaggregate student success data to assess the equity impact of placement reforms.

6. Plan for Long-Term Transformation
Dr. Karp emphasizes that placement reform is a starting point, not the finish line. Successful institutions used placement as a springboard to reimagine core institutional functions, such as curriculum development, student support, and pedagogy.
Action Step: Develop a long-term vision for how placement reform can integrate with broader institutional changes to foster equity and student success.

Final Thought
As Dr. Karp puts it, “Placement reform is about more than accuracy—it’s about equity and transformation.” By reframing placement as an opportunity for institutional growth, colleges can create a more equitable and supportive environment where all students can thrive.

Topic: Hispanic-Serving Institutions

Key Insights

1. Move Beyond Enrollment: Focus on Servingness
Being an HSI is more than reaching 25% Latina/o/x enrollment—it’s about serving students holistically. Dr. Garcia’s framework for servingness emphasizes:

Structures: Institutional policies and practices that create equity.
Indicators: Measurable outcomes like critical consciousness development, cultural validation, and belonging.
Action Step: Evaluate your current practices to identify gaps in serving Latina/o/x students beyond enrollment numbers.

2. Redefine Success Metrics
Traditional success metrics like retention and graduation rates don’t fully capture the impact of HSIs. Dr. Garcia advocates for broader indicators, such as:

Critical Consciousness Development: Teaching students to recognize and challenge systemic inequities.
Ethnic Identity Development: Creating spaces where students can explore and celebrate their identities.
Action Step: Incorporate additional success metrics into grant proposals and institutional goals to reflect your mission as an HSI.

3. Foster a Culture of Critical Consciousness
Helping students develop a deeper understanding of systemic oppression is essential to their growth:

- Teach socio-historical context related to racial, economic, and gender inequities.
- Engage students in community-based projects that link learning to social justice.
Action Step: Offer professional development for faculty to integrate critical consciousness-building activities into their teaching.

4. Expand the Responsibility of Servingness
Servingness should not rest solely on ethnic studies departments or HSI grant directors. Garcia stresses that all disciplines must embrace this mission:

STEM and Social Sciences: Incorporate culturally relevant examples and social justice themes.
Faculty Across Disciplines: Reflect on how their teaching can validate and empower Latinx students.
Action Step: Facilitate cross-departmental workshops to explore servingness within diverse academic fields.

5. Engage Students in the Process
Students are key partners in reimagining what it means to serve:

- Use participatory action research to understand their needs and experiences.
- Create student advisory councils to guide HSI initiatives and give students a voice in decision-making.
Action Step: Survey students regularly to gather feedback on how your institution can better serve them.

6. Center Equity in Grant Writing
HSI-focused grants often emphasize graduation rates, but Dr. Garcia encourages institutions to prioritize equity outcomes:

- Address structural changes needed to improve access and support for Latina/o/x students.
- Highlight the importance of building critical consciousness as a measurable outcome.
Action Step: Align grant proposals with the multidimensional goals of servingness, including structural and cultural transformation.

Final Thought
Dr. Garcia states that becoming an HSI is not the end goal—it’s the beginning of a journey toward equity. By redefining servingness, engaging all disciplines, and centering student voices, colleges can truly transform the Latina/o/x student experience.

Topic: Equitable Pedagogy Practices

Key Insights

1. Embrace Value-Centered Teaching
Dr. Estefan begins his courses by sharing the ethical values that underpin his teaching, such as kindness, community, and respect. These values guide his pedagogical decisions and set the tone for an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.
Action Step: Open your course by discussing the values that inspire your teaching and how they translate into classroom practices.

2. Build Authentic Connections
Authenticity fosters trust and engagement. Dr. Estefan highlights how his working-class background and use of accessible, everyday language create connections with students, making content feel more relatable and intuitive.
Action Step: Reflect on your teaching style and find ways to incorporate elements of your authentic self to connect with students, such as using inclusive language or sharing personal stories.

3. Use Deliberative Interdependence to Promote Collaboration
Dr. Estefan’s approach to collaborative learning emphasizes mutual accountability through structured assignments like collective quizzes and group oral exams. These methods incentivize equitable participation and peer learning.
Action Step: Design group assessments that require consensus-building and include self- and peer-evaluation components to encourage active collaboration and accountability.

4. Address Structural Barriers
Equity goes beyond inclusion—it requires addressing systemic challenges like academic inequities, resource disadvantages, and cultural discrimination. Dr. Estefan’s framework for equitable design includes:

Deliberative Interdependence: Assignments that foster collaboration and mutual accountability.
Transformative Translation: Connecting course material to students’ lived experiences.
Proactive Engagement: Anticipating and mitigating challenges before they arise.
Action Step: Audit your course assignments and policies to ensure they account for diverse student backgrounds, responsibilities, and resources.

5. Redefine Classroom Culture
Many students, especially those from working-class or historically minoritized backgrounds, value collective learning and community. Align classroom practices with these cultural strengths by incorporating group projects, peer feedback, and shared accountability.
Action Step: Introduce collaborative elements into your grading and teaching to reflect collective learning as a core classroom value.

6. Shift the Focus from Student Readiness to Instructor Readiness
Dr. Estefan challenges educators to adopt a student-centered approach by asking, “How can I be ready to teach my students effectively?” This shift requires ongoing self-reflection and adapting to students’ unique needs and challenges.
Action Step: Use regular student feedback and self-assessment to refine your teaching practices and align them with the needs of your student population.

Final Thought
As Dr. Estefan reminds us, “Equity-minded teaching isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity and intentionality.” By combining values-driven teaching with strategies that address systemic inequities, educators can create classrooms where all students thrive.

Topic: Culturally Affirming and Meaningful Assignments

Key Insights

1. Understand What Culturally Affirming Means
Culturally affirming assignments reflect a value for students’ cultural identities and diversity as assets in learning. As Dr. Harrington explains, they:

- Acknowledge students’ backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Uphold cultural diversity as a productive and meaningful resource.
- Encourage students to connect personally with the material.
Action Step: Start by learning about your students through pre-semester surveys, demographic data, and conversations.

2. Incorporate Student Choice
Choice is a cornerstone of culturally affirming practices. Providing options allows students to align assignments with their interests and strengths while maintaining academic rigor.

- Offer flexibility in topics, processes, and products (e.g., papers, podcasts, videos, or infographics).
- Include a “create-your-own” option where students can propose alternative ways to demonstrate learning.
Action Step: Design assignments with guided choices to avoid overwhelming students, while allowing room for creativity.

3. Make Assignments Authentic and Meaningful
Assignments should connect to real-world applications and students’ future goals. Dr. Harrington emphasizes the importance of creating work that lives beyond the classroom, such as:

- Oral history projects that are archived in local museums.
- Research assignments tied to current events or students’ communities.
- Collaborative tasks that mirror workplace scenarios.
Action Step: Include a reflection component where students explore how assignments relate to their personal experiences and aspirations.

4. Scaffold Assignments and Provide Support
Help students succeed by breaking assignments into smaller steps and providing ongoing feedback.

- Use formative assessments to guide students and inform your teaching.
- Offer opportunities for revisions and resubmissions to encourage growth.
Action Step: Design assignments with clear rubrics and transparent expectations to reduce uncertainty and build confidence.

5. Embrace Diverse Perspectives
Encourage students to explore underrepresented voices and perspectives in their work. This not only broadens their understanding but also affirms the value of marginalized identities.

- Provide prompts that explicitly encourage students to engage with diverse sources and viewpoints.
- Incorporate discussions about cultural, historical, or systemic contexts into assignments.
Action Step: Conduct a “diversity audit” of your assignments by asking questions like, “Whose voices are represented? Whose perspectives are missing?”

6. Align Assignments with Future Skills
Dr. Harrington highlights the importance of designing assignments that prepare students for life beyond college, including:

- Collaborative, concise, and practical writing.
- Skills in using technology, such as creating websites or podcasts.
- Opportunities to articulate the skills they’ve gained.
Action Step: Add a “skills learned” section to assignment descriptions, helping students connect classroom work to career competencies.

Final Thought
Creating culturally affirming and meaningful assignments is not just about what we teach, but how we teach. By valuing students’ identities, offering choice, and connecting learning to their goals, educators can create transformative classroom experiences.

Topic: Online Learning Equitable Practices

Key Insights

1. Start with a Humanized Welcome
First impressions matter in online learning. Apigo emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment before the class even begins:

Welcome Email: Send a personalized email with a video introduction and a link to a liquid syllabus.
Liquid Syllabus: Use a mobile-friendly, web-based syllabus with asset-based language, emphasizing flexibility and support.
Action Step: Review your syllabus for tone and accessibility. Replace punitive phrases (e.g., “No late work accepted”) with supportive alternatives (e.g., “If you need an extension, reach out, and we’ll create a plan together”).

2. Build Instructor Presence
Online students thrive when they feel their instructor is actively engaged:

Weekly Video Announcements: Share updates, feedback, and encouragement.
Prompt Communication: Respond to student emails and questions within 1-2 days.
One-on-One Support: Offer optional Zoom sessions, such as writing conferences or assignment reviews.
Action Step: Use tools like Flipgrid to create interactive video messages and foster a stronger connection with students.

3. Foster Community Through Interaction
Equitable online courses prioritize student-to-student relationships:

Small Group Discussions: Replace whole-class forums with smaller, dynamic groups for authentic conversations.
Peer Review: Encourage students to provide feedback on each other’s work.
Collaborative Projects: Design group assignments that build teamwork and deepen engagement.
Action Step: Incorporate tools like breakout rooms in Zoom or asynchronous group workspaces in Canvas or other LMS to facilitate collaboration.

4. Design for Accessibility and Clarity
Students can’t succeed if they can’t navigate your course:

Organized Modules: Ensure your learning management system (LMS) is intuitive and consistent week-to-week.
Clear Instructions: Provide detailed assignment prompts with examples and FAQs.
Mobile-Friendly Content: Design with mobile users in mind, as many students rely on smartphones for coursework.
Action Step: Audit your course layout to ensure it’s clear and easy to navigate. Use student feedback to identify pain points.

5. Emphasize Flexibility and Kindness
Flexibility is essential for supporting online learners, many of whom balance work, caregiving, and other responsibilities:

Flexible Deadlines: Allow extensions for assignments when needed.
Asset-Based Approach: Recognize and build on students’ unique strengths and experiences.
Action Step: Add a survey at the start of the semester to learn about students’ backgrounds, challenges, and needs.

6. Focus on Equity in Assessment
Apigo advocates for assessments that are fair and inclusive:

Authentic Assignments: Create projects tied to real-world applications, encouraging critical thinking and creativity.
Ungraded or Low-Stakes Work: Shift the focus from grades to learning through formative assessments and self-reflection.
Individualized Topics: Let students choose topics for research or creative work to ensure personal relevance.
Action Step: Redesign one major assessment to emphasize process, reflection, and application over memorization.

7. Leverage Emerging Modalities Like HyFlex
Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) courses combine asynchronous, synchronous, and in-person options, giving students ultimate flexibility:

Adaptable Attendance: Allow students to choose how they participate each week.
Integrated Technology: Use microphones, cameras, and LMS tools to ensure seamless participation for all formats.
Action Step: Experiment with HyFlex by offering optional synchronous sessions for an asynchronous course.

Final Thought
“Equity in online learning begins with care and kindness.” By humanizing your course, building strong relationships, and designing with flexibility and clarity, you can create an inclusive online environment where students thrive.

Topic: Supporting Neurodivergent Students

Key Insights

1. Design Courses for Accessibility
Rather than waiting for accommodations requests, structure your courses to be inherently accessible:

Clear Communication: Provide written instructions for all assignments, in addition to verbal directions. Clarity reduces confusion and helps students with executive functioning challenges.
Scaffold Assignments: Break large projects into smaller, manageable chunks with specific deadlines.
Flexible Participation: Offer alternatives for class participation, such as written reflections or one-on-one discussions.
Action Step: Review your syllabus and course materials to ensure all key information is clear, multimodal, and easy to follow.

2. Create a Sensory-Aware Classroom
Neurodivergent students often struggle with sensory overload:

Monitor Noise Levels: Be mindful of ambient noise and consider acknowledging unavoidable distractions.
Lighting and Space: Dim overly bright lights if possible and allow students to spread out if crowded seating is uncomfortable.
Food and Smells: Establish rules around eating in class if sensory sensitivity to smells or sounds is a concern.
Action Step: Survey students at the start of the semester to identify sensory preferences and challenges.

3. Foster Autonomy and Agency
Encourage students to take control of their learning environment:

Permission to Move: Let students know it’s okay to stand, stretch, or step outside if they need a break.
Options for Engagement: Allow students to choose how they demonstrate their learning—through presentations, written work, or creative projects.
Action Step: Include a statement in your syllabus explicitly inviting students to discuss their needs with you.

4. Address Stigma Around Disability
Many students avoid registering with disability services due to stigma or lack of diagnosis. To combat this:

Normalize Neurodiversity: Share examples or personal anecdotes (if comfortable) about neurodivergence to foster a supportive atmosphere.
Inclusive Language: Frame accommodations as tools for success, not advantages.
Proactive Outreach: Design your course so students feel supported without needing to self-identify.
Action Step: Regularly remind students that accommodations are not about giving unfair advantages—they are about equity.

5. Build Trust and Connection
Authentic relationships create safe spaces for students to succeed:

Show Vulnerability: Share your own challenges (e.g., time management) to build rapport.
Be Approachable: Provide multiple ways for students to contact you, such as email, office hours, or a dedicated messaging platform.
Humanize the Experience: Celebrate students’ unique strengths while addressing barriers.
Action Step: Use mid-semester feedback to adjust your approach and address students’ concerns in real time.

6. Think Beyond the Classroom
Institutional change is essential to fully support neurodivergent students:

Professional Development: Advocate for workshops on neurodivergence for faculty and staff.
Community Resources: Partner with local organizations or experts to bring knowledge to your campus.
Center Student Voices: Involve neurodivergent individuals in designing policies and programs—nothing about them without them.
Action Step: Collaborate with your institution’s disability services office to offer training on neurodivergent inclusion.

Final Thought: Centering Humanity
Dr. Norell reminds us, “Centering kindness and giving people the benefit of the doubt can transform education.” By creating classrooms that value every student’s humanity and unique strengths, we move closer to equitable, inclusive learning environments for all.

Topic: Accessibility Practices

Key Insights

1. Start with Alt Text
Alt text provides descriptions for images, enabling screen readers to communicate visual information to students with visual impairments. Dr. Maduli-Williams notes that many educators overlook this crucial detail.

Best Practice: Write clear, concise descriptions that focus on the image's purpose. For example, instead of “Image123,” write, “Graph showing enrollment trends from 2015 to 2020.”
Pro Tip: Add alt text to all visuals, including course materials, social media posts, and presentations.
Action Step: Review your course materials and add alt text to at least one resource this week.

2. Use Captions for All Videos
Captions aren’t just for students with hearing impairments—they benefit everyone, including students in noisy environments or those who prefer reading along with audio.

Technology Tools: Use auto-captioning tools in platforms like Canvas Studio or YouTube. Then, edit for accuracy. Ensure captions are clear and synchronized with the audio.
Action Step: Commit to captioning all videos you create or share with your students.

3. Ensure Color Contrast and Avoid Color Dependence
Colorblindness affects many learners, yet visuals often rely on color for emphasis.

Improve Contrast: Use high-contrast color combinations, like dark text on a light background.
Avoid Exclusivity: Don’t use color alone to indicate importance—add bold text or icons for clarity.
Action Step: Run your slides or documents through a free color contrast checker to ensure readability.

4. Write Meaningful Links
Avoid using generic phrases like “Click here” for hyperlinks. Instead, use descriptive language to clarify where the link leads.

Example: Instead of “Click here,” write “Visit the College Library website.”
Why It Matters: Screen readers rely on link text to provide context to users.
Action Step: Update links in your course materials to include descriptive text.

5. Incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Accessibility benefits all students, not just those with disabilities. UDL provides multiple ways to represent, engage, and assess learning.

Engage Students: Use audio, video, and text-based resources to cater to diverse learning preferences.
Assess Flexibly: Offer options for demonstrating learning, such as essays, presentations, or creative projects.
Action Step: Redesign one assignment to include multiple ways for students to demonstrate mastery.

6. Embrace Accessibility as a Shared Responsibility
Accessibility isn’t just for disability support services—it’s the responsibility of everyone in the institution.

Faculty Role: Build accessibility into your courses from the start rather than retrofitting accommodations.
Campus Impact: Accessible communications, such as emails and flyers, benefit the entire community, including staff and faculty.
Action Step: Start small. Choose one accessibility practice to implement this semester and build from there.

Final Thought
“Accessibility is about supporting all learners, all the time.” By making small, intentional changes, you can create a classroom that’s inclusive, equitable, and transformative for every student.

Topic: Teaching with Kindness

Key Insights

1. Build Relationships Based on Trust
Trust is at the core of effective teaching. Dr. Dennehy advocates for meeting students where they are and assuming positive intent:

Avoid Policing: Instead of focusing on catching students making mistakes, approach them with curiosity and understanding.
Transparent Conversations: If a student submits AI-generated work, address it by inviting a dialogue about their learning process rather than resorting to punitive measures.
Action Step: Start your syllabus with a welcoming tone that expresses your commitment to student success and collaboration.

2. Reframe Assessment as a Conversation
Kindness transforms assessment from a one-sided judgment into a learning partnership:

Focus on Process: Reward effort and growth rather than just the final product.
Incorporate Reflection: Ask students to reflect on their learning journey, building metacognitive skills.
Action Step: Replace high-stakes tests with digital portfolios or iterative assignments that allow for feedback and improvement.

3. Make Flexibility the Default
Life is unpredictable, especially for students balancing jobs, families, and other responsibilities. Dr. Dennehy emphasizes the importance of flexibility:

Negotiate Deadlines: Create opportunities for students to request extensions without fear of judgment.
Tailor Support: Recognize individual circumstances and offer personalized accommodations.
Action Step: Establish a "life happens" policy where students can request extensions with minimal barriers.

4. Use Student Voices to Shape Policies
Involving students in decision-making fosters kindness and engagement:

Camera Policies: Instead of mandating cameras in online classes, discuss the pros and cons with students and co-create a policy that respects their needs.
AI Integration: Invite students to explore how tools like ChatGPT can support learning, while also addressing ethical considerations.
Action Step: Dedicate the first week of the semester to collaborative discussions about course policies and expectations.

5. Embrace a Pedagogy of Kindness
Kindness in pedagogy requires designing courses that address systemic inequities:

Language Matters: Revise syllabi to remove punitive language and replace it with encouragement and support.
Accessible Learning: Use diverse, inclusive materials and ensure all students can participate fully.
Action Step: Conduct an equity audit of your syllabus and assignments to identify areas for improvement.

6. Celebrate the Human Element
Dr. Dennehy reminds us that learning is relational. Infusing joy and human connection into the classroom can make learning memorable and meaningful:

Active Engagement: Use activities like group discussions, collaborative projects, or even dance to foster a sense of community.
Express Gratitude: Acknowledge students’ efforts and contributions to the class dynamic.
Action Step: Begin each class with a check-in or gratitude practice to create a welcoming environment.

Final Thought
“Kindness is the foundation of equity.” By prioritizing relationships, flexibility, and authentic learning, educators can create classrooms where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to succeed.

Topic: Inquiry & Action Teams to Improve the Student Journey
(Dr. Al Solano's model)

Key Insights

1. Establish Inquiry and Action Teams
Inquiry and action teams bring faculty together to identify and address specific student needs. These teams use a structured process to:

- Analyze disaggregated data to uncover equity gaps.
- Create targeted action plans with measurable goals.
- Collaborate across departments and disciplines.
Action Step: Form small, focused teams (5-10 members) around themes like career & academic pathways or specific disciplines. Ensure meetings are action-oriented and build momentum.

2. Start with Data, but Don’t Get Stuck
Prothero stresses the importance of using data to inform decisions without overanalyzing:

Review key metrics like enrollment, completion rates, and equity gaps.
Use a brief data-review phase to focus quickly on actionable insights.
Action Step: Limit initial data analysis to 2-3 meetings. Shift quickly to brainstorming and implementing solutions.

3. Foster Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Breaking down departmental silos allows faculty to learn from one another:

- Teams can include faculty from different disciplines, counselors, librarians, and students.
- Collaborative projects, such as creating arts exhibitions or career exploration tools, unite departments.
Action Step: Invite faculty from multiple areas to join your teams. Create shared goals that benefit students across disciplines.

4. Focus on Student Needs
Student-centered work drives the most impactful changes:

- Teams at the college created resources like Trello boards and online courses to help students navigate options earlier in their academic journey.
- Faculty conducted outreach to understand why students left key courses, leading to improvements in grading and support.
Action Step: Regularly engage students in the process through surveys, focus groups, or direct involvement in team meetings.

5. Build Equity into Every Action
Equity intentionality ensures that reforms benefit all students, especially those historically underserved:

- Use disaggregated data to identify gaps for students of color, low-income learners, and others.
- Develop targeted initiatives. For example, the data led us to support Latinas in law enforcement and first-generation students in STEM.
Action Step: Require each team to define how their work addresses equity and include it in their action plans.

6. Create Actionable and Measurable Plans
Success comes from clear, focused implementation:

- Plans should specify actions, responsible parties, timelines, and challenges.
For example, the English department collaboratively created and tested a shared lesson plan, refining it based on results.
Action Step: Use basic project management tools to guide teams in creating detailed action plans with specific deliverables.

7. Prioritize Faculty Buy-In and Continuous Growth
Faculty who engage in inquiry and action teams often experience increased trust, collaboration, and professional satisfaction:

- Teams work best with “coalitions of the willing”—those passionate about improving student outcomes.
- Faculty grow from learning new practices, such as ungrading or culturally responsive teaching.
Action Step: Start with motivated faculty and share their successes widely to inspire others.

Final Thought
“When faculty collaborate with intentionality, they transform not only the student experience but also their own practice.” Inquiry and action teams provide the structure and support to foster this transformation, helping educators address equity disparities and improve the student journey.

Topic: Factors That Increase the Likelihood of African American Students Transferring to Four-year Universities

Key Insights

1. Focus on Early Success in English and Math
The African American Transfer Tipping Point (AATTP) Study shows that completing transfer-level English and math in the first year is the most significant predictor of transfer success for African American students:

- Completing both in the first year makes students 310% more likely to reach the transfer milestone.
- Completing math alone increases success by 160%, while English alone boosts it by 70%.
Action Step: Ensure African American students have access to strong corequisite support for English and math courses, and prioritize these classes during the first year.

2. Rethink Academic Probation Practices
Academic probation is a major barrier to progress, with students on probation being 70% less likely to reach transfer milestones. Many students view probation as punitive and stigmatizing, comparing it to the criminal justice system.
Action Step: Rename and reframe probation policies to focus on prevention and support, such as introducing “early warning systems” or proactive interventions that address challenges before students are placed on probation.

3. Strengthen Counseling and Holistic Support
Students who regularly meet with counselors are 60% more likely to succeed, while participation in culturally affirming programs like Umoja boosts success by 20%:

- Students reported feeling unsupported in general counseling settings but valued programs where counselors understood their unique challenges and aspirations.
Action Step: Train general counselors in culturally responsive advising and expand Umoja and similar programs to reach more students.

4. Build Faculty Awareness and Classroom Impact
The classroom experience significantly shapes student success. Students emphasized the importance of having faculty who are approachable and supportive:

- Positive faculty-student interactions can be the difference between a student passing or repeating critical courses like English and math.
Action Step: Provide professional development in culturally relevant pedagogy and trauma-informed teaching to help faculty better support African American students.

5. Foster Community Through Representation
Representation matters. African American students thrive in environments where they see themselves reflected in faculty and staff:

- Programs like Umoja and EOPS are vital, but success shouldn’t rely solely on Black faculty and staff.
Action Step: Hire more African American faculty and staff, but also ensure all employees feel responsible for supporting African American student success.

6. Create Strong Transfer Pathways
African American students often face challenges navigating the transfer process. Building partnerships between community colleges and four-year universities can create seamless pathways:

- “Warm handoffs” between programs, such as Umoja at community colleges and similar initiatives at universities, can reduce anxiety and improve persistence.
Action Step: Collaborate with university partners to connect African American students to supportive programs upon transfer.

7. Center Leadership and Institutional Commitment
Institutional leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of equity:

- Disaggregate data to understand African American students’ experiences and outcomes.
Celebrate African American students’ cultural contributions and achievements.
Action Step: Commit to equity-focused leadership and ensure decision-makers prioritize African American student success.

Final Thought
“African American students are everyone’s responsibility.” By addressing systemic barriers, supporting faculty and staff, and fostering strong relationships, institutions can create transformative opportunities for African American students to succeed in their transfer journey.

Topic: Addressing Anti-Blackness in Higher Education

Key Insights

1. Understand and Define Anti-Blackness
Anti-Blackness goes beyond racial inequity; it encompasses a deep-seated disdain for Black culture, identity, and progress. This manifests as systemic barriers to educational and professional success for Black students and staff.
Action Step: Start conversations on your campus by defining anti-Blackness and discussing how it may manifest in policies, practices, and culture.

2. Conduct an Equity Audit
Systemic inequities are often embedded in institutional structures. Dr. Harris advocates for a critical review of policies, practices, and campus culture:

- Assess hiring practices, curriculum content, and student services for racial bias.
- Evaluate whether policies advance equity or maintain inequities.
Action Step: Form a task force to conduct an equity audit and identify areas where anti-Blackness persists.

3. Make Equity a Strategic Priority
Institutions must embed equity and anti-racism into their strategic plans:

- Set measurable goals for improving Black student and employee experiences.
- Allocate resources to initiatives like Black cultural centers and professional development.
Action Step: Include anti-Blackness as a focus in your college’s strategic plan and allocate funding to support initiatives.

4. Move Beyond Statements to Action
Colleges must back up solidarity statements with concrete actions:

- Provide mental health support tailored to Black students and staff.
- Revise curricula to reflect diverse perspectives and histories.
- Address racial disparities in campus conduct data and disciplinary practices.
Action Step: After issuing statements, outline specific steps your institution will take and assign accountability.

5. Foster Belonging for Black Students and Staff
Dr. Harris highlights the need for relational and supportive campus cultures:

- Black students often report feeling unwelcome and under-supported. Faculty and staff must actively affirm their value and potential.
- Black staff and faculty experience microaggressions and racial battle fatigue. Institutions must address these challenges through peer support groups and inclusive practices.
Action Step: Train staff and faculty in culturally affirming practices and establish Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for Black employees.

6. Use Data to Drive Accountability
Data transparency is essential for change:

- Disaggregate success metrics by race to uncover disparities in student outcomes.
- Regularly review progress toward closing equity gaps and addressing anti-Blackness.
Action Step: Share disaggregated data with all campus stakeholders and use it to inform policies and practices.

7. Build a Critical Mass of Equity Advocates
Focus on engaging "yellow lighters" (those open to change) and moving them toward action "green lighters." A critical mass of educators can create a campus culture that makes resistance to change uncomfortable.
Action Step: Offer professional development to equip faculty and staff with equity practices and celebrate early adopters.

Final Thought
“We must revolutionize what we do.” Addressing anti-Blackness requires bold leadership, collective effort, and a commitment to dismantling systemic inequities. By embedding equity into institutional DNA, colleges can ensure all students and staff thrive in a culture of inclusion and respect.

Topic: Effective Teacher Preparation Programs

Key Insights

1. Build a Community of Future Teachers
Teacher preparation often starts in community colleges, yet future educators are spread across various majors. Building a sense of community helps these students stay engaged and supported:

Future Teacher Clubs: Host monthly meetings where students connect, discuss pedagogy, and learn about the teaching profession.
Learning Communities: Offer linked courses, such as public speaking and career exploration, tailored to future educators.
Action Step: Create events or workshops where students can connect with peers who share their passion for teaching.

2. Provide Specialized Counseling
Becoming a teacher involves navigating a complex web of certifications, tests, and coursework requirements. Future teachers benefit from counselors who understand the pathways:

- Help students understand transfer and credential requirements.
- Offer proactive academic and career planning tailored to teaching goals.
Action Step: Train dedicated counselors in teacher preparation pathways to provide clear, accurate guidance.

3. Offer Robust Early Fieldwork Experiences
Hands-on experiences in K-12 classrooms give students insight into the teaching profession and strengthen their commitment:

- Partner with local schools to create internships or observation opportunities.
- Encourage students to work as tutors or after-school program assistants to gain practical experience.
Action Step: Develop formal agreements with school districts to provide paid internships or volunteer opportunities for future teachers.

4. Celebrate the Role of Faculty
Faculty are critical in inspiring future teachers by modeling effective teaching practices:

- Faculty who are engaging and supportive leave a lasting impact on students, motivating them to emulate these traits as educators.
- Highlight diverse faculty who reflect the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of future teachers.
Action Step: Facilitate workshops for faculty on mentoring and fostering critical hope in students.

5. Address Structural Barriers with Wraparound Support
Future teachers, especially those from underserved communities, often face financial, academic, and personal challenges:

- Ensure access to scholarships, emergency funding, and flexible work opportunities.
- Advocate for policies that streamline transfer and credentialing requirements.
Action Step: Collaborate with financial aid offices and external organizations to connect students with funding opportunities specific to teacher preparation.

6. Integrate Technology and Equity Training
The pandemic underscored the importance of tech skills and culturally responsive teaching:

- Train students in the latest instructional technologies to prepare them for hybrid and online classrooms.
- Offer workshops on addressing systemic inequities and fostering inclusive classroom environments.
Action Step: Embed tech and equity modules into teacher preparation coursework.

Final Thought
“Preparing future teachers is a marathon, and community colleges are the support system that helps them cross the finish line.” By building community, providing tailored support, and offering meaningful experiences, colleges can create a new generation of teachers ready to inspire and lead in diverse classrooms.