Discover the “Faculty Academy for Teaching in Nontraditional Careers,” a program tailored for the South Carolina Technical College System that effectively boosted faculty strategies for student recruitment and retention in non-traditional disciplines. This case study showcases the substantial enhancements in faculty knowledge, self-efficacy, and practical application of inclusive educational practices.
The “Faculty Academy for Teaching in Nontraditional Careers” was a strategic initiative developed for the South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS), funded to promote data-driven strategies for increasing student success. The program focused on recruiting and retaining students in nontraditional programs and supported faculty teaching in these disciplines.
Program Goal and Structure
Goal:
Equip faculty with strategies to improve recruitment and retention in non-traditional disciplines, which will ultimately increase non-traditional enrollment by 1% annually, per the Perkins V state goal.
Structure:Â
The Faculty Academy spanned seven months and included:
- Data Dashboards: A custom data dashboard created with school-level data provided to help faculty understand and utilize student data effectively.
- Virtual Workshops:Â Monthly workshops that covered various topics, from root causes of non-participation to marketing strategies.
- Asynchronous Activities:Â Supplemental tasks that reinforced workshop content via a Learning Management System.
- Coaching:Â Personalized one-on-one or small group sessions to deepen faculty understanding and application of strategies.
- Project Development:Â Faculty developed personal projects to address specific issues within their disciplines.
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Outcomes and Impact
The program resulted in significant improvements in faculty capabilities, (as determined by pre/post surveys analyzed by an external evaluator) including:
- Enhanced Knowledge and Skills:Â Faculty reported substantial increases in their understanding of action research, intersectionality, and inclusive teaching strategies.
- Behavioral Changes:Â There was a notable improvement in faculty behaviors, particularly in their approach to creating inclusive environments and employing data-driven strategies.
- Self-Efficacy:Â Participants left the program feeling empowered and confident in implementing changes and leading initiatives within their departments.
Key Achievements
- Cultural Insights:Â Participants better understood the cultural and systemic factors influencing student participation in non-traditional pathways.
- Strategic Interventions:Â Faculty were able to design and implement strategic interventions based on their action research, significantly impacting student recruitment and retention.
- Community Building:Â The program fostered a sense of community among participants, enhancing collaboration and sharing of best practices across institutions.Â
PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK AND REFLECTIONS
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the practicality and relevance of the workshops. Faculty appreciated the hands-on approach and the opportunity to apply what they learned to real-world challenges directly. Evaluation comments reflected satisfaction with the program content and the instructional delivery. Twenty-seven educators began the program, and 12 presented final projects.
Conclusion
The “Faculty Academy for Teaching in Nontraditional Careers” exemplified a successful professional development initiative by combining theoretical learning with practical application. This case study demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in enhancing faculty capabilities and making a measurable difference in the recruitment and retention of students in non-traditional pathways. This approach is a model for future initiatives to improve educational equity and support faculty development across academic institutions.
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Ready to Transform Your Educational Programs?
At Engineer Inclusion, we are dedicated to empowering educational leaders with the tools and insights needed to foster inclusivity and equity in their programs. Our comprehensive offerings are designed to address the complexities of nontraditional pathways and to promote sustained, positive change in educational settings. We understand that each organization has unique challenges and goals, which is why we offer customizable solutions tailored to your specific needs. Let us partner with you to develop a comprehensive program that not only meets your immediate objectives but also sets the foundation for long-term success.Â
Reach out today to discuss how we can support your journey towards creating more inclusive educational environments. Together, we can make a significant impact.
