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The Evolution of the LSAC Academic Assistance Initiative. LSAC Academic assistance training workshop June 13-16, 2012 Denver, Colorado Presenter: Kent D. Lollis Executive Director for Diversity Initiatives. OUTLINE. HISTORY EARLY CHALLENGES WHAT DIDN’T WORK
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The Evolution of the LSAC Academic Assistance Initiative LSAC Academic assistance training workshop June 13-16, 2012 Denver, Colorado Presenter: Kent D. Lollis Executive Director for Diversity Initiatives
OUTLINE • HISTORY • EARLY CHALLENGES • WHAT DIDN’T WORK • CONTRIBUTIONS TO LEGAL EDUCATION
HISTORY • ONGOING CONCERN ABOUT RACIAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY IN LEGAL EDUCATION • ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND BAR PASSAGE • CONSISTENT WITH LSAC MISSION AND CORE COMPETENCIES • STUDENTS PREFORM BETTER WHEN THEY ARE SUFFICIENTLY ACCLIMATED TO THE ACADEMIC RIGORS OF LAW SCHOOL
EARLY CHALLENGES • THE LSAT • ADDING TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE OVERHEAD OF LAW SCHOOLS • FEAR OF BACKLASH FROM STUDENTS NOT PART OF THE PART OF THE PROGRAM • PROGRAM STIGMA • TEACHING BLACKLETTER LAW • LOOK TO YOUR LEFT AND LOOK TO YOUR RIGHT
WHAT DIDN’T WORK • CREATE A “MODEL” ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM • PROVIDING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE • DEVELOPING A TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PUBLICATION. • LIMITING A PROGRAM TO STUDENTS FROM UNDERREPRESENTED RACIAL AND ETHNIC GROUPS
CONTRIBUTIONS TO LEGAL EDUCATION • CHANGED THE DISCOURSE ABOUT SUCCESS IN LAW SCHOOL • FORCED THE ACADEMY TO CHANGE ITS HISTORICAL VIEWS ABOUT TEACHING AND LEARNING • RETHINING ADMISSION CRITERIA AND PROCESSES • ADVANCING TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS IN THE LAW SCHOOL CLASSROOM • REFOCUSED LAW SCHOOL ACCREDITATION