Lindenwood University has launched a new Certificate in Culturally Responsive Assessment for faculty and staff.
The certificate, which launched Oct. 1, is a new professional development opportunity for Lindenwood faculty and staff and incorporates existing development opportunities, such as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Book Club, Safe Zone Training, and Implicit Bias Training, combined with a new menu of focused workshops about culturally responsive assessment.
“The Certificate in Culturally Responsive Assessment will contribute to our inclusive community by emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive practices by faculty and staff,” Dr. Shane Williamson, associate vice president for student life and diversity, explains.
To earn the certificate, employees complete at least two core development activities, such as the DEI Book Study, Safe Zone Training, or Implicit Bias Training, and at least three focused development activities. Then, employees must submit a 1,000-word reflective narrative that outlines the ways in which their assessment practice has become more culturally-responsive.
Participants can join the certificate pathway at any time by attending one of the workshops on the menu. Participants can work at their own pace and can use their previous participation in core activities, but they are encouraged to complete the certificate within two academic years. More information about how the certificate works.
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness and the Office of Student Life and Diversity, which have cooperated to create this certificate, announce the following focused workshops and speakers for 2019/2020. Everyone is welcome to attend, regardless of whether they intend to complete the Certificate.
Focused Workshop 1
"Using Socially Just Assessment to Inform Institutional Policies"
Facilitated by Dr. Marjorie Dorimé-Williams, University of Missouri-Columbia
Wednesday, October 23, 2019, 1 to 3 p.m.
Harmon Hall, Room 233
Focused Workshop 2
"Addressing Power and Privilege with the Assessment of Student Learning"
Facilitated by Dr. Kirsten LaMantia, Southeast Missouri State University
Thursday, November 7, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Harmon Hall, Room 217
Focused Workshop 3
"Designing Classroom Assessments to Reduce Inequities"
Facilitated by Dr. Karen Singer-Freeman, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Tuesday, February 11, 9 to 11 a.m.
Roemer Hall, Room 209
Focused Workshop 4
"Implicit Bias and Assessment Data: How Can We View Assessment Data Through an Equitable Lens?"
Facilitated by Nicole Perry and Mario Borha, Oakton Community College
Friday, March 20, 9 to 11 a.m.
Harmon Hall, Room 229
Focused Speaker
"Socially Just Assessment: A Tool for Fostering Equity and Inclusion"
Dr. Gavin Henning, Past President of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education and Professor at New England College
Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 9:30 to 11 a.m. (Keynote for the Assessment Summit)
Scheidegger Auditorium
“As a campus that is nationally recognized for its culture of assessment, it is important for us to join the larger conversation on culturally responsive assessment practice,” said Dr. Bethany Alden-Rivers, associate vice president for institutional effectiveness. “The Certificate is a unique and special opportunity to engage in deeper dialogue, reflection, and application around these concepts.”
