Co-Creating Action

How does culture influence the way we evaluate and interpret data? The American Evaluation Association reminds us: "Inaccurate or incomplete understandings of culture introduce systematic error that threatens validity. Culturally competent evaluators work to minimize error grounded in cultural biases, stereotypes, and lack of shared worldviews among stakeholders" (AEA, 2011, p.5). This quote challenges us to deepen our cultural self-awareness and expand our understanding of the communities we work alongside. When we ground our work in cultural competence, we don’t just produce more valid evaluations—we create pathways for equity and justice by amplifying voices and perspectives that are too often overlooked or misunderstood. As we step into a new year, let’s commit to embedding cultural humility and intentional reflection into our practices. What’s one way you’re working to minimize cultural bias in your evaluations? We would love to hear your thoughts. #Equity #Evaluation #CulturalCompetence #DataForJustice

📣 Who has a say in the assessment processes that educators facilitate in higher education? Treating students as experts in their own learning journey involves engaging them in learning outcomes, connecting learning outcomes to activities, discussing how to demonstrate their learning, and collaborating to make meaning out of data collected. Students are not just subjects but active contributors to the evaluation process. This is how we break down barriers and build truly equitable education systems. How do you incorporate student voices? #StudentVoices #EquityInAction #AssessmentInnovation

This morning, two days after a national election, our founder Ciji Heiser, PhD had the unique and timely privilege of providing the opening keynote for the Library Assessment Conference. The topic was equity-centered assessment. No matter who is office, we have work to do.

Our founder, Ciji Heiser, PhD has two more presentations focused on equity in assessment today. If you are attending the Assessment Institute in Indianapolis, check out the presentations below at 10:15 and 1:15!

If you are at the Assessment Institute this week, check out the presentations below co-facilitated by our founder, Ciji Heiser, PhD!

Curious about our #MetricMonday data? In this week's resource, authors share background information on the development and implementation of the Equity Centered Landscape Analysis. The first survey of its kind exploring how professionals practice equity and assessment in higher education. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gbA9XkG Find more articles in our resource bank here: https://lnkd.in/gm4xqn2A

Trends within individual data points allow us to understand how our programs and services in higher education impact students across and within demographic groups. To identify these trends, we must disaggregate key data points by demographic variables that matter in advancing the institutional or organizational mission. This is a powerful step toward ensuring that all experiences are reflected and valued in the assessment process. Are you disaggregating your data? What findings have stuck with you over time? #InclusiveAssessment #HigherEd #EquityCenteredAssessment #MetricMonday

Data is more than just numbers—it’s a pathway to understanding and improving equity in education. That pathway, however, can come with road bumps. This week's article from our resource bank focuses on barriers to leveraging data to advance equity. After analyzing almost 500 open-ended comments, researchers identified the following barriers: 1️⃣ Knowledge, awareness, and understanding 2️⃣ Accessing necessary information and data 3️⃣ Lack of capacity 4️⃣ Reluctance to a culture of assessment 5️⃣ Performative commitments to inclusion, diversity, and equity 6️⃣ Political and legislative climate 7️⃣ Fear Have you seen these barriers in your practice? How do you navigate them? 🔗 Access this article and others from our resource bank: https://lnkd.in/gm4xqn2A

Creating space for people to share their identities in an inclusive and respectful way is crucial—especially in today’s evolving DEI landscape in higher education. We surveyed nearly 600 assessment professionals, and 68% are already working hard to ensure their demographic questions are inclusive. But there’s always more to learn! How are you making sure your demographic categories reflect the diversity of the communities you serve? What resources would help you take this work to the next level? Let’s share and grow together!

The journey to educational equity is ongoing, and having the right resources makes all the difference. Our resource bank is your go-to hub for the latest research, tools, and best practices in equity and assessment. Let’s work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.  This week's resource is an example in practice of leveraging data to advance equity. The article, written by Ciji Heiser, PhD and Nicole Allbee, Ph.D., leverages student conduct data in higher education to examine potential biases in the conduct process. For this week's article: https://lnkd.in/g8AqPN32 For more resources: https://lnkd.in/gm4xqn2A