September 2015: Counseling/Personal Growth Professional Development

by Laura Mathis

The Counseling Department hosted an “Inclusion In-Service,” that asked counselors to focus on their experiences through the lens of early encounters with “difference.”  Counseling faculty received descriptions of individuals on the backs of puzzle pieces and  were asked to reflect on these encounters.  They were then asked to consider these early experiences in the context of individual counseling practice.  At the end, faculty assembled the puzzle, which formed a tree with roots (biases, social identity, education, heritage, and personality traits) and fruits (positive words that describe the counseling relationship).  The in-service was developed and facilitated by Laura Mathis and Dr. Judy Sundayo, with follow-up sessions planned for future department meetings.

A piece from the Counseling “Roots and Fruits” puzzle

Nick DeMeo, new Counseling faculty member, considers the Counseling “Roots and Fruits” puzzle

Community Colleges Embracing Retention Initiative for Men of Color by Focusing on Others

“Cuyamaca College, MiraCosta College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego City College have partnered with the Center for Organizational Responsibility and Advancement (CORA) to provide training on teaching college men of color. Over the course of the 2015-2016 academic year, these colleges, as well as numerous others, are making CORA’s training available to all of their adjunct and full-time faculty (yes, all faculty).”

Community Colleges Embracing Retention Initiative for Men of Color by Focusing on Others

Cal State Coming Clean about Math Test’s Limitations

High school students in Albuquerque protest a new standardized test they say isn’t an accurate measurement of their education. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras)

“It’s hard to understand, therefore, why the university would be anything but candid about how it measures students’ proficiency in math and English. But according to a 2010 study that recently came to light, the placement test required for entering CSU students does not predict whether students can succeed in college-level math.”

Cuyamaca College Event: Friday, September 25

This coming Friday’s event, Acceleration: A Powerful Lever for Increasing Completion and Closing Equity Gaps, still has a few openings! If you haven’t touched base with the California Acceleration Project (CAP), consider yourself out of the equity loop!  Currently, CAP has worked with 61 California Community Colleges to redesign curriculum and placement policies to effect impactful changes for students of color.

Above: Team Mesa/City working for the California Acceleration Project!

Team Southwestern working for the California Acceleration Project!

As we move toward greater student equity….

….This planning resource, Acceleration Strategies That Produce Powerful Results, from the California Community College Success Network (3csn) provides three “high leverage strategies” for increasing student equity/completion.

Let’s do this!!