About Community college equity assessment lab (ccealab)
The Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL) is a national research laboratory under the Interwork Institute at San Diego State University. The CCEAL is dedicated to promoting equity in higher education by conducting research, providing technical assistance, and developing tools and resources that support community colleges in their efforts to create more equitable learning environments.
The CCEAL was founded in 2004 with the goal of addressing the persistent achievement gaps that exist between different student populations in community colleges. These gaps are particularly pronounced for students from historically marginalized groups, including low-income students, students of color, and first-generation college students.
To achieve its mission of promoting equity in higher education, the CCEAL conducts a wide range of research projects focused on understanding the factors that contribute to student success. This includes studies on topics such as student engagement, campus climate, faculty diversity and inclusion, and institutional policies and practices.
In addition to its research activities, the CCEAL also provides technical assistance to community colleges across the country. This includes working with institutions to develop strategies for improving equity outcomes for their students through targeted interventions such as mentoring programs or culturally responsive teaching practices.
One key area of focus for the CCEAL is developing tools and resources that can be used by community colleges to assess their own equity outcomes. The lab has developed several assessment instruments designed specifically for use in community college settings. These include surveys that measure campus climate or faculty attitudes towards diversity and inclusion.
Overall, the work being done by the Community College Equity Assessment Lab is critical for ensuring that all students have access to high-quality educational opportunities regardless of their background or circumstances. By conducting rigorous research studies, providing technical assistance to institutions seeking to improve equity outcomes for their students, and developing innovative tools and resources designed specifically for use in community college settings β this organization is making a real difference in promoting greater equity within higher education.