How African American Men Will Improve Community Colleges

Stephanie Hawley, Ph.D.Associate Vice President, College Access Programs

Austin Community College

Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education Conference

San Antonio, TexasMarch 28, 2014

OVERVIEW

• Introductions• Review Objectives• Video• Small Group Activity/

Large Group Discussion• Conclusion

INTRODUCTIONS

1. Name2. Organization/Institution/Role3. Interest in Systemic Change to

Improve Outcomes4. Expectations for this Session

OBJECTIVES• Compare and contrast deficit and asset- based approaches

• Identify the characteristics and traits of supportive higher education systems

• Analyze students’ experiences

• Evaluate policies and practices that support African American men

THE LEGACY

A WORD ABOUT SYSTEMS…

Systems are perfectly designed to get the results they get.

• How are our community college systems designed?

• Who designed them?• Who sustains them?

COMMUNITY COLLEGES HIT THE RESET BUTTON

Student outcomes data indicate there are

systems problems. Which students are being poorly served by the

current system?

A WORD ABOUT DEFICIT THINKING• Finds all fault in the student• Focuses on weaknesses and perceived

weaknesses • Often reflects stereotypes and low expectations• Anecdotal• Creates short-term underfunded programs or

“interventions”• Rarely observes and analyzes the “whole”

system

MOVING BEYOND DEFICIT THINKING

Aspirations of Achievement: Men of Color and Community Colleges Video

Black Male Student Success

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUPPORTIVE SYSTEMS

POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF SUCCESSFUL SYSTEMS

REDESIGNED SYSTEMS• “Fix” the Student

• Programs and Interventions

• Events & Activities• Remediation• Classes• Skill Drills

Evaluate and Improve the SystemMandatory Academic SupportRelationship-building Cohorts and PathwaysActive, Integrated and Contextualized Learning

CONTINUING THE LEGACY

• Asset-based Approaches• Community and Cohorts• Self-Efficacy• Continuous Quality

Improvement in Systems• Accountability• Servant Leadership/Giving

Back

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