Course-Based Learning Assistance (CLA) Guide

Course-Based Learning Assistance (CLA) Guide

Best Practice Guide for Academic Support Program Design and Improvement (3rd Edition)

Overview & Core Purpose

The CLA Guide serves as a comprehensive generic framework designed to help higher education institutions create, revise, evaluate, and strategically plan course-based peer learning assistance programs. These programs—such as Supplemental Instruction/PASS, Peer-Led Team Learning, and Structured Learning Assistance—target historically challenging courses to help students improve course performance and persist toward graduation.

Key Highlights & Guide Components

Comprehensive 12-Section Framework

Modeled after standards established by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS), the guide breaks down program management into 12 core operational areas:

Antiracism, Equity, and Inclusion Focus

A major expansion in this 3rd edition is the intentional integration of antiracism policies, equity practices, and culturally responsive/sustaining pedagogies throughout every section. It highlights removing barriers for historically marginalized student populations and building inclusive, welcoming learning spaces.

Two-Tiered Best Practice Model

• Essential Practices: Baseline requirements necessary for a sound, high-functioning program.
• Recommended/Aspirational Practices: Advanced strategies and enhancements aimed at long-term institutional growth as resources permit.

Multi-Level Evaluation Guidance

Provides a four-level assessment structure ranging from basic participation tracking (Level 1) and immediate grade outcomes (Level 2) to inferential statistics, retention rates, and qualitative research on long-term student and facilitator development (Levels 3 & 4).

Practical Implementation Tools

Every section concludes with a Reflection Guide and Action Plan for program managers, professional staff, and student facilitators to audit their services, address obstacles, and set concrete goals. The guide concludes with a Global Reflection Guide for multi-year strategic planning.