College Access Partnerships is made up of multiple data-driven grant program initiatives that are evaluated annually to assess progress toward goals, objectives, and performance indicators. Research-based strategies are used to improve outcomes in all the districts we serve.
Publications
Recent Publications from College Access Partnerships
This study explores teachers’ perceptions of their experiences participating in self-directed learning (SDL) (Knowles, 1970; 1975). The teacher participants (n=127) were guided through an SDL framework for professional learning and reflected on their experiences. Results indicate teachers reporting increased autonomy and personalization compared with traditional professional learning opportunities.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between visits to college campuses by middle school and high school students and postsecondary enrollment rates, where campus visits are classified as both formal college visits and also informal campus visits. Specifically, Traditional Campus Visits and Educational Campus Field Trips are categorized as two distinct service types sponsored by the GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant program in 11 rural, western North Carolina school districts.
The authors of parts one and two of this opinion piece explore their work with MCs as a form of meeting PD requirements and offer advice to potential adopters on the utility of MCs for community college faculty.
Our observations have allowed us to see first-hand that North Carolina educators and students are anything but “low-performing.” Having visited over 30 schools across 12 districts, our team witnessed much more than a dedication to provide North Carolina students with a “sound basic education.” The care and concern North Carolina’s educators have for their students was evident in every school we visited.
Created in collaboration with NCCEP’s Family Engagement Advisory Committee, Family Engagement Starter Kit for All provides helpful information to improve your family engagement efforts.
This a narrative chapter in a book that features the work of a Navigator and the role of ed research in teacher advocacy.
2025 Presentations
Presentations by College Access Partnerships staff

In this presentation, the team discussed the use of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System in measuring the impacts of teacher-directed professional learning on middle-grade student and teacher outcomes.

Micro-credentialing offers a transformative approach to teacher development, especially in rural contexts, by circumventing geographic and financial constraints, increasing teacher agency, improving instructional practice, supporting culturally responsive teaching and differentiation for underserved populations, and advancing educational equity.

The study applies a critical feminist lens for data analysis and explores how compensating teachers for their time and effort can enhance motivation and outcomes. Our work throws light on the profession as feminized and underpaid nature, and investigates the "cost of teaching" in terms of salary and professional respect
2024 Presentations
Presentations by College Access Partnerships staff

In rural counties low population density can mean only one high school serving a wide area. With only one high school in a district, the possibilities for collaboration are lacking. Additionally, high quality professional development for counselors may be priced out of reach.

To better understand teachers’ perceptions of the teacher-directed professional learning framework, the ETL Team surveyed teachers at the end of the goal-creation process. These findings were included in the presentation at the ISSDL Symposium.

This session will include a walkthrough of AI functionalities and their impact on education, college access, and professional work. Discuss the benefits and challenges of AI in education, with a focus on STEM fields, and gain insights on using AI to enhance learning and teaching.


In this class, experienced GEAR UP researchers and evaluators will share research studies conducted in the GEAR UP community.

Three members of the Empowering Teacher Learning (ETL) team and a teacher participant from Starmount Middle School presented to school board members and district office staff from school districts across NC. They shared the role of micro-credentials in advancing teacher learning, with a focus on the NC Teacher Pathways document, and presented feedback from teacher participants from across WNC that shows the impact of this innovative approach to teacher professional learning.

As a Latina Leader in Watauga County, I'm honored to speak at the annual Dia Appalachians and Black Student Preview Day at Appalachian State University. I will be discussing the beauty of our cultures and heritages and how our roots can bring us boundless opportunities through App State, GEAR UP, and the community at large.
Prior Presentations
Past presentations by College Access Partnerships staff

Three members of the Empowering Teacher Learning (ETL) team and a teacher participant from Mt. Airy High School presented to school administrators and district office staff from school districts across NC. They shared how the use of micro-credentials and self-directed learning empowers teachers to meet their professional growth goals and can enhance their leadership capacity, resulting in improved student performance.
CAC Summit 2023
Geneva Watson
Against the Odds: My Journey to College
Gloria Medina
Tools to Get You Started
Wes Calbreath, Mary Cothren, Jody Freeman
Mitigating the Impact of Trauma on the Postsecondary Process
Doug Thompson, Dr. Jui-Teng Li, Corinne Smith, Dr. James Beeler
Rural Teachers' Job Satisfaction, Teaching Efficacy and Stress Predicted by School Climate and Social-Emotional Learning
Wes Calbreath
Peer Mediation in Middle Schools
Rebeca Figueroa (Co-presenters: Katie Hill and Cristal Sanchez)
Resource Round-Up: Family Engagement Starter Kit for All
Jessica Stockham
Achieving STEM: An In House Model to STEM Implementation
Shyheim Stafford
Family Engagement
Katherine Chesnutt, Rachel Nelson, Tyler Tobin, Kameron Barlow, Janet Johnson
Providing Space: Using Video for Reflective Practice and Coaching
Madison Armstrong
‘Promising Practices: Junior Engagement, Decision Day, and More! - Award Letter Review
Allison Montgomery
Using Excel to Achieve Data-Driven Advising

When you think about family engagement, who comes to mind? Who are the family members you envision? In this conversation, we’ll explore ways to change our preconceptions about what a family is in our unique communities. As we redefine our vision of families and family engagement, we’ll revisit how we can serve whole families to support student success. Join us to share and learn from one another about how we can engage whole families.
Meg Turner with Ashley Kazouh, Theresa Gibson and Nancy Mangum
Empowering Teacher Leaders to Support Rural Schools
Geneva Watson
Advising Students with Lower Academics and Social Readiness
Dr. Jui-Teng Li, Corinne Smith, Dr. James Beeler
The Impact of GEAR UP Program and Services on Rural Students’ Postsecondary Enrollment
Katherine Chesnutt, Janet Johnson, Holly Weaver, Tyler Tobin
Exploring the Relationship between Teacher Instruction and Teachers’ Perceptions of Themselves as Self-Directed Learners
Amanda Whittington
The Trifecta of Grants Management: Utilizing Pre-Award, Post-Award, and the Project to Create an Effective and Successful Grant
Amanda Whittington
Exploration Lab: Navigating the GEAR UP Match and Q&A with ED
Dr. James Beeler, Katherine Chesnutt
Promoting Teacher Autonomy, Practice and Knowledge: Lessons Learned from Teacher-Directed Professional Learning Programs
Tyrel Winebarger
Measuring Student Engagement in Statistics
Aaron Gersonde
College Search: Making Informed Decisions
Dr. James Beeler
Strengthening K-12 Supports to Close Attainment Gaps

Wes Calbreath
Making MTSS Work for Secondary School Counselors
Katherine Chesnutt, Janet Johnson, Holly Weaver, Tyler Tobin
Empowering Teacher Learning Project
Doug Thompson, Rachel Nave-Lewis
Designing Family Engagement
Katherine Chesnutt, Janet Johnson, Holly Weaver, Tyler Tobin
Teachers’ Perceptions of Self-Efficacy and Teachers’ Perceptions of Themselves as Self-Directed Learners: An Exploratory Study
Doug Thompson
STEM Toolbox
Tyrel Winebarger
Empowering Teacher Learning
Corinne Smith, Dr. Jui-Teng Li, Dr. James Beeler
The Impact of Appalachian GEAR UP ACT Learning Services on Students’ ACT Performance
Rachel Nelson, Katherine Chesnutt, Tyler Tobin, Kameron Barlow, Janet Johnson
Empowering Teacher Learning
Phoebe Thompson
Promising Practices: GRACE Tactics
Corinne Smith
Enhancing "E"valuation: Moving from Emerging to Established to Evolved
Phoebe Thompson
The Price is Right: Reviewing Financial Aid Award Letters with Students & Families

GEAR UP Alumni Spotlight: Peyton Cline
Peyton Cline always knew that she was going to attend college.Growing up in a family of die-hard Duke fans that prioritized her education, Peyton was ...

2025 Swain County STEAM Expo
On Thursday, April 24, the STEAM Expo took place at Swain Middle School for the second year in a row. This event exposed students to different id...

College Adviser Meets Students Where They Are
On September 24, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Ashe County, North Carolina. The devastation following the storm left many families in r...