Impact


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

Teachers' Initial Perceptions of Self-Directed Learning within a Teacher-Directed Professional Learning Program
Dr. Rachel Nelson, Holly Weaver, Dr. James Beeler, Dr. Erin West, Sherry Paddie, Heather Childress, Dr. Katherine Chesnutt

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.

Campus Visits as Predictors of Postsecondary Enrollment in Low-Income, Rural Schools
Corinne Smith, Dr. Ross Gosky, Dr. Jui-Teng Li

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.

Micro-Credentials and Faculty Professional Development: Stories from the Field
Tyrel Winebarger

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.

North Carolina schools are anything but ‘low-performing’
Dr. Rachel Nelson

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.

Family Engagement Starter Kit for All
Rebeca Figueroa & Katie Hill

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.

Empowering Educators: Four Stories of Advocacy and Purpose- Impact Page
Holly Weaver, Sherry Paddie, Dr. Rachel Nelson, Dr. Rachel Shepherd

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

Evaluating Research in  Teacher-Directed Professional Learning with CLASS
Evaluating Research in Teacher-Directed Professional Learning with CLASS
Dr. Rachel Shepherd, Dr. Jason Snyder, Tyrel Winebarger
CLASS InterAct 2025

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. 

Empowering Teacher Learning: Innovations for Educational Recovery and Equity through Micro-Credentialing in Rural NC
Empowering Teacher Learning: Innovations for Educational Recovery and Equity through Micro-Credentialing in Rural NC
Heather Childress
North Carolina Association for Research in Education

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 Cost of Teaching: A Feminist Analysis of Teacher Experiences Earning Professional Learning Stipends
The Cost of Teaching: A Feminist Analysis of Teacher Experiences Earning Professional Learning Stipends
Dr. Erin West, Heather Childress, Janet Johnson
American Educational Research Association (AERA) Conference

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

Creating a Counselor Network in Rural School Districts As A Way To Increase Counselor Leadership
Creating a Counselor Network in Rural School Districts As A Way To Increase Counselor Leadership
Wes Calbreath, Doug Thompson
NCCEP National Conference

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.

Exploring Teachers’ Initial Perceptions of Self-Directed Learning within a Teacher-Directed Professional Learning Program
Exploring Teachers’ Initial Perceptions of Self-Directed Learning within a Teacher-Directed Professional Learning Program
Erin West, Holly Weaver, Sherry Thomas-Paddie, Heather Childress-Custer
International Society for Self-Directed Learning (ISSDL) Symposium

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.

Discussion Lab: Role of AI in Education
Discussion Lab: Role of AI in Education
Doug Thompson
National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP ) National GEAR UP Academy 2024

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.

Supporting Beginning Teachers in STEM Fields Through Self-Directed Learning (Lightning Talk)
Supporting Beginning Teachers in STEM Fields Through Self-Directed Learning (Lightning Talk)
Dr. Erin West and Dr. Rachel Shepherd
2024 Noyce Summit
Campus Visits As Predictors of Postsecondary Enrollment
Campus Visits As Predictors of Postsecondary Enrollment
Corinne Smith, Dr. Jui-Teng Li, Dr. Ross Gosky
National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP ) National GEAR UP Academy 2024

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

Micro-Credentials: A Pathway to Enhanced Professional Learning
Micro-Credentials: A Pathway to Enhanced Professional Learning
Dr. Rachel Shepherd, Erin West, Dr. Rachel Nelson, Megan Gregory
NC School Boards Association

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.

Welcome to App State, GEAR UP, and Boone
Welcome to App State, GEAR UP, and Boone
Yolanda Adams
Dia Applachanes and Black Student Preview Day

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

Empowering Teacher Leaders Through Micro-Credentialing
Empowering Teacher Leaders Through Micro-Credentialing
Dr. Rachel Shepherd, Erin West, Dr. Rachel Nelson, Courtney Howlett
NC Principals and Assistant Principals Association

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.

Beyond Service Delivery: Shifting Mindsets from Supportive Services to Systemic Change
Corinne Smith, Kelly Sparks, Cristina Mendez, Anna Moose
National GEAR UP Annual Conference 2023, San Francisco, CA
CAC Summit 2023
College Advising Corps

Geneva Watson
Against the Odds: My Journey to College

Assemble NC
College Advising Corps

Gloria Medina
Tools to Get You Started

National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) National Conference
GEAR UP

Wes Calbreath, Mary Cothren, Jody Freeman
Mitigating the Impact of Trauma on the Postsecondary Process

American Educational Research Association (AERA)
GEAR UP

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

NCSCA
GEAR UP

Wes Calbreath
Peer Mediation in Middle Schools

National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) Capacity Building Workshop
GEAR UP

Rebeca Figueroa (Co-presenters: Katie Hill and Cristal Sanchez)
Resource Round-Up: Family Engagement Starter Kit for All

National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) Annual Conference
GEAR UP

Jessica Stockham
Achieving STEM: An In House Model to STEM Implementation 

NC adviser professional learning session
College Advising Corps

Shyheim Stafford
Family Engagement

NCARE (North Carolina Association of Research in Education)
Empowering Teacher Learning

Katherine Chesnutt, Rachel Nelson, Tyler Tobin, Kameron Barlow, Janet Johnson
Providing Space: Using Video for Reflective Practice and Coaching

NC-CAC Adviser Webinar
College Advising Corps

Madison Armstrong
‘Promising Practices: Junior Engagement, Decision Day, and More! - Award Letter Review

CAC National Training - Promising Practices: GRACE Tactics
College Advising Corps

Allison Montgomery
Using Excel to Achieve Data-Driven Advising

Discussion Lab: Engaging Whole Families
Discussion Lab: Engaging Whole Families
Yolanda Adams
National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP ) National GEAR UP Academy 2024

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.

Breaking Through Barriers: Empowering and Supporting Teacher Needs
Corinne Smith
The 2023 William Friday Teachers Retreat; Carolina Voices: Enriching the Mind, Rejuvenating the Spirit - Beaufort, NC
National Forum to Advance Rural Education
GEAR UP, Rural Teacher Leader Network (RTLN) in partnership with the Forum and Leading Edge Learning

Meg Turner with Ashley Kazouh, Theresa Gibson and Nancy Mangum
Empowering Teacher Leaders to Support Rural Schools

Assemble NC
College Advising Corps

Geneva Watson 
Advising Students with Lower Academics and Social Readiness

American Educational Research Association (AERA)
GEAR UP

Dr. Jui-Teng Li, Corinne Smith, Dr. James Beeler
The Impact of GEAR UP Program and Services on Rural Students’ Postsecondary Enrollment

American Educational Research Association (AERA)
Empowering Teacher Learning

Katherine Chesnutt, Janet Johnson, Holly Weaver, Tyler Tobin
Exploring the Relationship between Teacher Instruction and Teachers’ Perceptions of Themselves as Self-Directed Learners

Society of Research Administrators International (SRAi)
GEAR UP

Amanda Whittington
The Trifecta of Grants Management: Utilizing Pre-Award, Post-Award, and the Project to Create an Effective and Successful Grant

National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) Annual Conference
GEAR UP

Amanda Whittington
Exploration Lab: Navigating the GEAR UP Match and Q&A with ED

Education Innovation & Research Webinar
Empowering Teacher Learning

Dr. James Beeler, Katherine Chesnutt
Promoting Teacher Autonomy, Practice and Knowledge:  Lessons Learned from Teacher-Directed Professional Learning Programs

North Carolina Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges
Empowering Teacher Learning

Tyrel Winebarger
Measuring Student Engagement in Statistics

AppCAC Adviser Training
Upward Bound

Aaron Gersonde
College Search: Making Informed Decisions

2022 Emerging Issues forum - Educational Attainment
College Access Partnerships

Dr. James Beeler
Strengthening K-12 Supports to Close Attainment Gaps

Empowering Educators through Innovative Professional Development
Empowering Educators through Innovative Professional Development
Erin West, Sherrie Paddie, Janet Johnson, Dr. Jason Snyder
GEAR UP Academic Innovation Conference
School Leadership Ed.D. Curriculum Redesign: A Model for Continual Improvement
Dr. Rachel Shepherd, Dr. Tierra Stark, Dr. Pamela Scott, Dr. Ginger Christian
International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership, San Antonio, TX
NCSCA State Conference
GEAR UP

Wes Calbreath
Making MTSS Work for Secondary School Counselors

Academic Innovation Conference
Empowering Teacher Learning

Katherine Chesnutt, Janet Johnson, Holly Weaver, Tyler Tobin
Empowering Teacher Learning Project

National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) National Conference
GEAR UP

Doug Thompson, Rachel Nave-Lewis
Designing Family Engagement

American Educational Research Association (AERA)
Empowering Teacher Learning

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

National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) Capacity Building Workshop
GEAR UP

Doug Thompson
STEM Toolbox

Appalachian State University Math Department Colloquium Series
Empowering Teacher Learning

Tyrel Winebarger
Empowering Teacher Learning

American Educational Research Association (AERA)
GEAR UP

Corinne Smith, Dr. Jui-Teng Li, Dr. James Beeler
The Impact of Appalachian GEAR UP ACT Learning Services on Students’ ACT Performance

North Carolina Association of Middle Level Educators (NCMLE)
Empowering Teacher Learning

Rachel Nelson, Katherine Chesnutt, Tyler Tobin, Kameron Barlow, Janet Johnson
Empowering Teacher Learning

College Advising Corps National Training
College Advising Corps

Phoebe Thompson
Promising Practices: GRACE Tactics

National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) Capacity Building Workshop
GEAR UP

Corinne Smith
Enhancing "E"valuation: Moving from Emerging to Established to Evolved

College Advising Corps Virtual Assembly 2022
College Advising Corps

Phoebe Thompson
The Price is Right: Reviewing Financial Aid Award Letters with Students & Families

GEAR UP Student Spotlight

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 ...

STEAM Expo at Swain County Middle School

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

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...