Gates Foundation “Active + Adaptive” Initiative

Project Overview

As part of the Accelerating Adoption of Adaptive Courseware Grant (funded by the APLU and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), Portland State University launched the Active + Adaptive initiative. The goal was to reduce DFW (D/F/Withdrawal) rates in high-enrollment gateway courses by embedding adaptive courseware and active learning strategies.

My Role

• Designed and implemented predictive analytics dashboards to flag at-risk students.

• Facilitated faculty development cohorts to redesign courses around adaptive learning.

• Trained instructors to use data-informed, just-in-time interventions.

• Partnered with IT, Institutional Research, and academic leadership to ensure sustainable adoption.

Deep Dive

Faculty often saw data as punitive rather than empowering. To shift this mindset, I developed a coaching and support model that emphasized data as a tool for student success. Faculty learned to use dashboards to identify students needing early intervention, then redesigned assignments, labs, or study sessions to provide tailored support.

In one Applied Statistics course:

• Final exam averages rose from 70% → 82%.

• Passing rates increased from 61% → 77%.

• Students reported greater confidence in their ability to succeed.

Scaling the initiative:

• 29 faculty engaged.

• 31 courses redesigned.

• 12 disciplines represented.

• 5,500+ students impacted.

“Process map of PSU’s Active + Adaptive initiative, used to flag at-risk students and enable faculty to provide timely, personalized interventions.”

Optional Resource Link:
Read PSU’s Active + Adaptive Case Study →

Leadership in Action

This project wasn’t just about dashboards — it was about building trust and community among faculty. I organized faculty learning cohorts, where instructors shared challenges, redesigns, and early wins.

One colleague reflected:

“Molly creates teams that people want to stay on. Her leadership style inspires loyalty because she makes you feel valued and supported.”

Key Outcomes

• Statistically significant reduction in DFW rates.

• Increased faculty confidence in using data adaptively.

• National visibility through the Gates Foundation’s Active + Adaptive initiative.

• PSU positioned as a leader in adaptive courseware innovation..

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