In a timely interview exploring data-driven approaches and information disaggregation regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, Michelle Asha Cooper, Ph.D., vice president for public policy and executive director of Lumina Foundation, was interviewed by Tammie Cumming, Ph.D., of 可乐视频 and M. David Miller, Ph.D., of the University of Florida School of Education as part of the video series.
Cooper鈥攁lso the former acting assistant secretary for postsecondary education and deputy assistant secretary for higher education programs under the Biden administration鈥攄elved into the current challenges in higher education policy and practice, as well as on diversity, equity, inclusion, and fairness on college campuses. At Lumina, Cooper聽leads the development and implementation of state and federal policy initiatives that advance the foundation’s efforts to support today’s students at community colleges and four-year colleges and universities.
Discussing some of the outcomes of Lumina鈥檚 recent 鈥淪tronger Nation鈥� report, including patterns in and continuing disparities among racial groups in college degree attainment, the interview also explored what it means to be a student-ready institution. Cooper also referenced findings from her book, Becoming a Student-Ready College: A New Culture of Leadership for Student Success. The impact of COVID-19 and Lumina鈥檚 work with institutions regarding context-based review and planning was also discussed.
Lumina is an independent, private foundation in聽Indianapolis聽that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. They envision a system that is easy to navigate, delivers fair results, and meets the nation’s need for talent through a broad range of credentials. Lumina鈥檚 goal is to prepare people for informed citizenship and success in a global economy.
The NGA Web Bites video series provides a platform for discussing timely topics, best practices, and new approaches to emerging challenges in higher education assessment, accreditation, and policy. Each moderated video discussion features assessment specialists, educators, and higher education leaders.
鈥淐HEA鈥檚 [Council for Higher Education Accreditation] new standards addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion have put into policy what many institutions have long had in practice,鈥� said Cumming, associate provost for institutional effectiveness at 可乐视频 and NGA Web Bites co-host. “Dr. Cooper鈥檚 stance on the importance of data disaggregation echoes these institutional efforts as well as those of the Lumina Foundation while underscoring the importance of a student-centered and student-ready postsecondary environment.鈥�
鈥淒r. Cooper speaks to an essential part of decision-making鈥攌eeping it data-driven and context-based,鈥� said Miller, professor of research and evaluation methodology at the University of Florida and co-host of the NGA Web Bites. 鈥淲ith the increasing politicization of the postsecondary education landscape, it is essential to keep these elements in mind.鈥�
The interview can be viewed and at .
