The Story of Creando Conciencia: A Latinx Student-Focused Professional Learning Community
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| Title: | The Story of Creando Conciencia: A Latinx Student-Focused Professional Learning Community |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Margarita Otero-Díaz, Brandilynn Villarreal, Rafael Cuevas-Uribe, Jose Marin Jarrin, Maria I. Iturbide |
| Source: | Association of Mexican American Educators Journal. 2025 19(1):1-31. |
| Availability: | Association of Mexican American Educators. 634 South Spring Street Suite 908, Los Angeles, CA 90014. Tel: 310-251-6306; Fax: 310-538-4976; e-mail: executivedirector@amae.org; Web site: https://amaejournal.utsa.edu/index.php/AMAE/HOME |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 31 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Hispanic American Students, College Students, Academic Persistence, Graduation Rate, Minority Serving Institutions, Culturally Relevant Education, Communities of Practice, Equal Education, Program Effectiveness, Teacher Competencies, Teacher Role, College Faculty, Faculty Development |
| DOI: | 10.24974/amae.19.1.515 |
| ISSN: | 2377-9187 |
| Abstract: | Universities continue to see equity gaps in retention and graduation rates for Latinx students. To enhance Latinx student success, a team of Latinx faculty at a HSI developed innovative programming for educators centered on creating culturally sustaining educational spaces for Latinx students. Creando Conciencia is an ESCALA Educational Services, Inc. certified professional learning community (PLC). Using a cohort model, participants were supported by facilitators and coaches as they implemented a project within a course designed to reduce equity gaps. Nine participants completed the pilot year's programming. To assess the effectiveness of the PLC, participants completed a baseline and exit survey which measured participants' understanding of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP), HSIs, cultural frameworks, and perceptions of their role as an educator of Latinx students. Open-ended responses revealed participants were more likely to understand the importance of students' backgrounds and cultural assets, enact CRP practices, and were more confident in teaching Latinx students. Creando Conciencia can serve as a model for HSIs looking to develop Latinx student-focused programming centered on CRP, students' strengths, and becoming a Hispanic Thriving Institution. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1473744 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Universities continue to see equity gaps in retention and graduation rates for Latinx students. To enhance Latinx student success, a team of Latinx faculty at a HSI developed innovative programming for educators centered on creating culturally sustaining educational spaces for Latinx students. Creando Conciencia is an ESCALA Educational Services, Inc. certified professional learning community (PLC). Using a cohort model, participants were supported by facilitators and coaches as they implemented a project within a course designed to reduce equity gaps. Nine participants completed the pilot year's programming. To assess the effectiveness of the PLC, participants completed a baseline and exit survey which measured participants' understanding of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP), HSIs, cultural frameworks, and perceptions of their role as an educator of Latinx students. Open-ended responses revealed participants were more likely to understand the importance of students' backgrounds and cultural assets, enact CRP practices, and were more confident in teaching Latinx students. Creando Conciencia can serve as a model for HSIs looking to develop Latinx student-focused programming centered on CRP, students' strengths, and becoming a Hispanic Thriving Institution. |
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| ISSN: | 2377-9187 |
| DOI: | 10.24974/amae.19.1.515 |
