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Equity Accelerator Launches New Online Course

In a move aimed at empowering college educators to enhance student success, the Equity Accelerator (EA) has officially launched an evidence-based online course titled "Creating Growth Mindset Cultures in College Classrooms." This innovative initiative, which is fiscally sponsored by the National Center for Civic Innovation, seeks to equip faculty with practical tools and strategies designed to improve student experiences and academic outcomes.

The Need for Transformation in Higher Education

Recognizing that student experience significantly influences persistence and degree completion, the course addresses a pressing challenge faced by higher education institutions nationwide. Research shows that creating environments that foster growth mindsets can lead to substantial improvements in student engagement, academic performance, and satisfaction among educators. For example, a national study highlighted that instructors employing evidence-based growth-minded practices experienced a notable 10.5% increase in students reporting positive learning experiences, coupled with a nearly 20% reduction in drop-fail-withdrawal (DFW) rates.

Dr. Mary Murphy, the founder of the Equity Accelerator, underscores the initiative's objectives: "Our goal is to transform classrooms into spaces where every student thrives. Institutions employing these strategies not only achieve higher GPAs but also witness enhanced faculty satisfaction."

Course Structure and Enrollment Information

The newly launched course is structured into seven evidence-based modules, blending cutting-edge research with practical classroom applications. Participants can complete the course at their own pace, with an estimated completion time of three hours. An early enrollment option is currently available for $159, significantly lower than the standard fee of $199, which will take effect when public enrollment begins on January 15, 2026.

Dr. Lorelle L. Espinosa, Program Director at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, has emphasized the importance of this course: "We know from empirical evidence that a growth mindset culture benefits students from diverse backgrounds. This course provides educators with exciting tools and actionable guidance to implement in their classrooms."

Why Growth Mindset Matters

Creating a culture of growth mindset in educational settings is more than just a trending topic; it's a proven approach that leads to more positive learning outcomes. However, many educators struggle to find the time and training needed to effectively source and implement these strategies in their classrooms. The Equity Accelerator's online course serves as a crucial bridge, providing succinct modules filled with research-based strategies designed for immediate application.

As stated by Eliot Johnson, Director of Consulting for EA, "By applying evidence-based growth mindset principles, institutions are witnessing lasting changes that benefit both students and faculty. This course facilitates a seamless implementation process within existing teaching practices."

User Feedback Highlights Impact

Feedback from early course participants reflects its effectiveness. Michelle Friend from the University of Nebraska-Omaha noted, "The concept of a mindset culture was new to me, and critically assessing my course practices has been incredibly beneficial. It has given me insights into how my actions impact student learning."

Similarly, Samuel Jacobs-Abbey of Morris Brown College commented, "Implementing these strategies not only boosts student engagement but also aligns with my goal of making education more accessible."

With numerous testimonials praising the course's comprehensive design and research grounding, EA is paving the way toward a transformative shift in how colleges approach education and student engagement.

Conclusion

The Equity Accelerator's course is a promising step towards enhancing the educational landscape in higher education. By fostering growth mindset cultures, educators can unlock the potential of all students, making a profound impact on their academic journeys. For interested faculty members, early enrollment is an opportunity not to be missed.