The Story of Creando Conciencia: A Latinx Student-Focused Professional Learning Community

Abstract

Universities continue to see equity gaps in retention and graduation rates for Latinx students. To enhance Latinx student success, a team of Latinx faculty at a HSI developed innovative programming for educators centered on creating culturally sustaining educational spaces for Latinx students. Creando Conciencia is an ESCALA Educational Services, Inc. certified professional learning community (PLC). Using a cohort model, participants were supported by facilitators and coaches as they implemented a project within a course designed to reduce equity gaps. Nine participants completed the pilot year’s programming. To assess the effectiveness of the PLC, participants completed a baseline and exit survey which measured participants’ understanding of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP), HSIs, cultural frameworks, and perceptions of their role as an educator of Latinx students. Open-ended responses revealed participants were more likely to understand the importance of students’ backgrounds and cultural assets, enact CRP practices, and were more confident in teaching Latinx students. Creando Conciencia can serve as a model for HSIs looking to develop Latinx student-focused programming centered on CRP, students’ strengths, and becoming a Hispanic Thriving Institution.