P39 - Culturally Specific Assessment (CSA) for Leadership: Harnessing HBCU Leaders' Experiences to Transform STEM Higher Education

Program Abstract: This presentation introduces the development of a culturally specific assessment (CSA) framework used to develop a culturally specific rubric-based leadership assessment. The Center for the Advancement of STEM Leadership (CASL) created the culturally specific framework and assessment. Both the framework and rubric-based assessment are grounded in CSA. The framework and rubric-based assessment integrate the lived experiences of HBCU STEM leaders who have successfully broadened underrepresented students' participation in STEM. The CSA framework promotes equity and relevance in leadership assessment by embedding cultural values and leadership styles unique to HBCUs. The rubric-based assessment was designed to measure leadership effectiveness and empower higher education leaders within HBCUs to see their expertise reflected in an assessment instrument that measures leadership. This presentation will give attendees insights into applying CSA to develop a leadership framework and an assessment tool that supports individual and systemic change, driving equity and inclusion in STEM higher education.