The Role of Ecological Validation in Promoting the Success of At-Promise Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: The Promise: Promoting Belonging and Enhancing Student Outcomes

Abstract

This study examined a new asset-based, systems-change oriented approach to college student support called the Ecological Validation Model of Student Success and its role in promoting the success of low-income, first generation, and racially minoritized students (whom we refer to as “at-promise” students to recognize their assets and potential). Drawing on data from a longitudinal (2015-2020) qualitative case study of the Thompson Scholars Learning Community, a comprehensive college transition program at the 3 campuses of the University of Nebraska system, we illustrate how and why ecological validation promotes psychosocial outcomes associated with retention, GPA, and graduation including at-promise students’ sense of belonging, mattering, and major and career self-efficacy.

Authors

• Joseph Kitchen, University of Southern California

• Ronald Hallett, University of La Verne

• Rosemary J. Perez, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Robert D. Reason, Iowa State University