When I went back to school at forty I faced a lot of challenges. As a non-traditional student with a learning disability, living in low resources, I realized I had the trifecta of statistical non-completion of a degree.
During an independent research project I also discovered that Evidence-based Instruction made a huge impact in learning outcomes across all three of those groups. I got angry Evidence-based Instruction wasn’t required for universities accepting public funds. Roughly 180 Billion of federal loans and grants is spent per year, while my data suggests that 30-45% of all college course work isn’t based in instruction proven effective.
When I fully understood that nearly 72% of all higher education students are non-traditional, 5% of all college students have a learning disability, and only 11% of low-income students complete a degree, I realized I was not alone. This wasn't just about me. I had to do something. Academia is very content with the status que. My complaints feel on death ears and I was dismissed with things like, “I’m sorry it isn’t working out for you.”
Well it isn’t working out for about 80% of the students. They won’t listen to me, but I know they will listen to 180 billion dollars. This is why I’m collecting data to advocate for policy change that requires Evidence-based Instruction to be mandatory in order for educational institutions to receive public funds.
Matthew Name is a social equity advocate and currently runs a small non-profit Access Coalition for Education. You can find out more at http://accesscoalitionforeducation.org