At LatinoLEAD, we are thrilled to announce our expanded collaboration with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education in an initiative aimed at closing graduation gaps among students of color in Minnesota. Over the last five years, LatinoLEAD has been deeply involved in addressing issues related to English Language Learners and higher education attainment at the legislative level. We firmly believe that increasing college graduation rates among students of color, English Language Learners, first-generation students, and low-income students is essential for enhancing economic and social stability for these students, their families, and their communities.
National Higher Education Day: A Milestone Celebration
Each year on June 6th, we celebrate National Higher Education Day. This year, we are particularly proud to highlight the significant impact we are making in the lives of students across Minnesota. This celebration is more than just a date on the calendar—it is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to educational equity.
Last year, our Education Action Team collaborated closely with Senator Omar Fateh and former Senator Patricia Torres Rey, to lead efforts in passing legislation that addresses why students of color are far less likely to earn postsecondary credentials. This crucial legislation initiated the Minnesota State Course Placement Practices Study, a significant step towards addressing the large achievement and equity gaps in higher education.
In partnership with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, we are diligently reviewing and analyzing college admission and course placement policies, practices, and assessments used by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Our LatinoLEAD network leaders are actively serving on the Project Advisory Committee, which aims to assess and improve admissions and developmental education placement practices within the Minnesota State System. The findings from this study will be reported to the MN State Legislature in 2025.
Project Advisory Committee Charge
The Project Advisory Committee is tasked with providing critical insights into the current state of placement and admissions practices across the Minnesota State system. Our focus is on ensuring equity-centered data collection and analysis, reviewing project activities and deliverables, and developing recommendations for consideration by the Commissioner of the Office of Higher Education.
LatinoLEAD Network Leaders: Fostering Change
At LatinoLEAD, leadership is one of our core values. We are dedicated to advancing Latines into positions of leadership and influence by providing development and access. We are proud to introduce some of the Education Latine leaders behind this study:
Irma Márquez Trapero, CEO of LatinoLEAD, emphasizes the personal and broader significance of the Minnesota State Course Placement Practices Study, stating, "As a formerly undocumented college student, I know the importance of access and support. Our goal with this study is to increase graduation rates for students of color. This study will help us understand the barriers and identify potential solutions to support students in reaching their full potential."
Dr. Beatriz DeSantiago, Assistant Professor at Minnesota State University, Education Action Team Co-Chair on the LatinoLEAD Board of Directors, underscores the vital role of education, stating, “Education is the cornerstone of a thriving society, and I am passionate about ensuring that all students have access to high-quality learning opportunities. By being part of this team, I aim to collaborate with dedicated educators and community members to address critical challenges, implement innovative solutions, and advocate for policies that support student success and educational equity.”
Dr. Carla Gonzalez, Literacy Specialist, Co-Coordinator of the Scholars Resource Center, and 2022 ALP Fellow Alumni, highlights her motivation, stating, "I joined to help create policy change in higher education that will best serve underserved populations."
Last but not least, Álvaro Marmolejo Davis, an Economics Instructor at Normandale Community College and LatinoLEAD Network Leader, was also involved in this project.
Research Questions
Our study seeks to answer pivotal questions:
What are the admissions, placement, and developmental education policies and practices at Minnesota postsecondary institutions that either impede or facilitate student admission and success?
How do these policies and practices impact student outcomes in admissions, developmental education placement, and educational/economic progress for various student populations?
Strategic Partnerships and Support
LatinoLEAD is partnering with Bruce Vandal Consulting (BVC) and collaborating with The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, WestEd, and Postsecondary Policy Partners. Dr. Judy Marquez-Kiyama from the University of Arizona serves as an equity advisor to the project.
Ensuring Impact
LatinoLEAD’s involvement ensures:
Representation in all meetings, reflecting our efforts in bringing this study to legislation.
Oversight and insight to ensure the study achieves its intended goals.
Active participation in the study, ensuring our voice is heard and our perspectives are included.
Continuous updates and involvement in the progress of the study and its final report, advising the contract with the Office of Higher Education and the research project manager.
Looking Ahead
Stay tuned for more updates as we work together to create a more equitable higher education system in Minnesota. Follow our journey and join us in celebrating the milestones and successes as we strive to elevate educational opportunities for all students. Together, we are making a lasting impact.
#VoicesofLatinoLEAD #LatinoLeadership #EducationEquity #HigherEducation #CommunityStrength #Inspiration #LatineSuccess
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