4. FETA (Faculty Equity Training Academy)-Endorsed Equity-Minded Practices That Close Racial Achievement Gaps

• In Event: Faculty Are Subverting Racial Injustice and Expanding Educational Opportunities for Students Through Practitioner Research at Our Minority-Serving California Community College

Abstract

Authored by Delta College’s FETA Coordinator (and Associate Professor of Education & English), Paper One highlights findings derived from four FETA-initiated equity-minded interventions that I researched, planned, executed, and evaluated in order to improve teaching and learning within community college Education classroom. This paper highlights data illuminating how each featured equity-mined practice was associated with closing racial achievement gaps and ameliorating educational outcomes for students impeded by the historical reach of racial injustice in America. Paper One also features video-recorded reflections of Delta College students discussing ways that my equity-minded interventions influenced their academic engagement, persistence, and achievement. The FETA-initiated teacher research highlighted in Paper One investigated 1) accountability partners (student-centeredness & inclusion), 2) flexible assignment deadlines (flexibility & social justice), 3) choice menus (student- centeredness & flexibility), and 4) use of rubrics (transparency & inquiry). Paper One concludes with video-recorded reflections of Delta College faculty about how their engagement with FETA influenced their praxis as practitioner researchers and influenced their ability to improve teaching and learning within their own classrooms.

Author

• BernNadette Thokozile Best-Green, San Joaquin Delta College