Recognizing the Strengths and Needs Recognizing the Strengths and Needs of Traditionally Underrepresented of Traditionally Underrepresented

Students: The SSPIRE InitiativeStudents: The SSPIRE Initiative

Strengthening Student Success: Making a Strengthening Student Success: Making a DifferenceDifference

San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose, CaliforniaOctober 5, 2007October 5, 2007

PresentersPresenters

Oscar Cerna, MDRC (moderator)

Susan Flatt, Merced College

Ruben Arreola, Taft College

Victoria Hindes, Victor Valley College

MDRCMDRC Non-profit social policy research firm committed to

learning what works to help low-income youth and adults

Current community college initiatives include: Opening Doors, an evaluation of innovative

approaches at six community colleges

Achieving the Dream, a national initiative to build a “culture of evidence” at over 80 community colleges

National Center for Postsecondary Research (NCPR) evaluation of learning communities designed for low-skilled students

More information at www.MDRC.org

The Student Support Partnership The Student Support Partnership Integrating Resources and EducationIntegrating Resources and Education

Funding from the James Irvine Foundation Invitation to California community colleges

Propose innovative approaches to integrating academic instruction with student services

Target primarily young, low-income, & students of color

Nine Colleges Selected Receive three-year funding Implement and revise approaches Institutionalize successful approaches

MDRC’s role Manage the initiative Provide technical assistance Conduct evaluation of SSPIRE

Nine Colleges Selected for SSPIRENine Colleges Selected for SSPIRE

American River College (Sacramento County)

College of Alameda (Alameda County)

De Anza College (Santa Clara County)

Merced College (Merced County)

Mt. San Antonio College (Los Angeles County)

Pasadena City College (Los Angeles County)

Santa Ana College (Orange County)

Taft College (Kern County)

Victor Valley College (San Bernardino County)

Range of ApproachesRange of Approaches

1. Customized attention to student needs and attributes

2. Restructured curriculum

3. Increased involvement of faculty Identification/outreach to faculty New professional development opportunities

4. Linked instruction to counseling support

5. Increased peer networks Student cohorts Peer tutoring and mentoring

Merced CollegeMerced College

Student Context Large number 1st generation college students 3 of every 4 FTE students receive financial aid 9 of 10 incoming students assessed into

developmental level math or English

Institutional Response: Study Central Creating an environment of belonging Increasing faculty/student interactions Involving students as peer tutors/mentors

Taft CollegeTaft College

Student Context Large Hispanic/Latino student population Large ESL and migrant student population Rural, commuter school: transportation and

childcare barriers to attendance

Institutional Response: Migrant Success Program + Title V cohort Creating intensive one-to-one advising Focusing curriculum on ESL student needs Increased outreach in local community

Victor Valley CollegeVictor Valley College

Student Context Large rural student population Low income, high poverty levels Low developmental math and English

completion rates

Institutional Response: SSPIRE cohort and instructors + Title V goals Creating intensive one-to-one advising Creating instruction/counseling/tutoring links Revising developmental level curriculum