The Student Strengths

Inventory (SSI)©

Julio Fernandez de Cueto

Director of Testing

Interamerican Campus

Anaeli Ramos

Senior Academic & Career Advisor

Homestead Campus

Assessment designed to help two and four- year college and universities develop data-driven evidence-based student success solutions

A non-cognitive instrument

What is the Student Strengths Inventory (SSI) ?

Influence the overall behavior of an individual

Not easily measured

Predictive of future success

Examples:◦ Emotional maturity◦ Empathy◦ Interpersonal skills◦ Study skills◦ Verbal and non-verbal communication

What are non-cognitive skills?

180 items versus 48 Completed study comparing predictive

ability of SSI with previously used ENGAGE 80 students took both assessments After 1 semester ENGAGE and SSI were very

similar in ability to identify high risk students

Transition from Engage to SSI

Transition from Engage to SSISSI Predicted to have at least 2.0 62Predicted correctly to have at least 2.0 57Predicted incorrectly to have 2.0 5

SSI Predicted to not have at least 2.0 15Predicted correctly to not have 2.0 1Predicted incorrectly to not have 2.0 14

SSI Predicted to be retained 76Predicted correctly to be retained 76Predicted incorrectly to be retained 0

SSI Predicted to not be retained 1Predicted correctly to not be retained 0Predicted incorrectly to not be retained 1

• Results are used conservatively to reduce false positives

Provides a holistic view on the student◦ Combined with high school and testing information

Provides immediate feedback to the student on areas they may be struggling (or might struggle with)

Additional information for advisors

Why use SSI with FTIC-DE Students?

Student Success

Demographic questions

48 item self-report measure◦ Responses on Likert scale

Provides scores on 6 scales (motivation factors known to predict student outcomes)

Helps identify at risk students:◦ Probability of student returning for a 2nd year◦ Probability of student earning above a 2.0 in 1st year

MDC created follow-up questions ◦ transportation, technology availability and skill usage

What does SSI look like?

SSI Scales and Sample Items

Scale Definition Sample Item

Academic Engagement

The value an individual places on academics and attentiveness to school work.

I turn my homework in on time.

Academic Self-Efficacy

An individual’s confidence in his or her ability to achieve academically and succeed in college.

I will excel in my chosen major.

Educational Commitment

An individual’s dedication to college and the value placed upon a college degree.

I see value in completing a college education.

Resiliency An individual’s approach to challenging situations and stressful events.

I manage stress well.

Social Comfort An individual’s comfort in social situations and ability to communicate with others.

I am comfortable in groups.

Campus Engagement

Involvement in campus activities and attachment to the college/university.

Being active in extra-curricular activities in college is important to me.

Student View of Results Student

Recommendations for each of 6 factors

What’s next?◦ Tips on how to improve

Campus Resources◦ Individuals or

departments that can help students grow in the specific area

Student NameMDID

Score Description Tools for Success Resources

Low Success is college takes commitment. Commitment means showing up to class, preparing and completing assignments. Talk to your advisor about the real consequences of not making a commitment to college.

• Class preparation

• Time management

• Stress Management

• Assigned Advisor• Academic &

Tutoring Labs• Professors• Single Stop

Moderate You are on your way to succeeding in college! Remember to show up to class all the time, prepare, and complete assignments!

High Success is within your grasp! Be ready when class begins, participate in discussions, and be a leader by assisting peers!

Academic Engagement

Academic Self-EfficacyScore Description Tools for Success Resources

Low Academic confidence is built over time, not overnight! Building your academic confidence takes determination, courage, and persistence. Talk to your advisor about the resources available to help you succeed.

• Visualize success• Build academic

relationships• Don’t be

afraid to talk with your professor

• Create a peer network• Join a study

group

• Supportive Family Member

• Mentor• High School

Teacher• Assigned Advisor• Professor• Tutor• Single Stop• Other students

Moderate Continue to build your academic confidence! The key is to visualize your success and build relationships with professors and other students!

High Your academic confidence is key to your success. Continue setting challenging goals for yourself, being a student leader, and building the confidence of your peers!

Educational CommitmentScore Description Tools for Success Resources

Low A college degree opens doors to better career opportunities and higher paying jobs. Talk to your advisor about the best program for you at MDC.

• Complete FOCUS 2 (Career Assessment)

• Understand the financial benefits of your career choices• Use the

Occupational Outlook Handbook

• Schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor to complete your Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

• Assigned Advisor• Professor• Tutor

Moderate Earning a college degree has many lifelong benefits such as financial stability, increased job opportunities, and personal enrichment.

High Make the most of your time in college. Get involved with leadership and volunteer opportunities related to your academic pathway

ResiliencyScore Description Tools for Success Resources

Low Everyone faces challenges. Bumps on the road are expected. Don’t let everyday problems hold you back! Talk to you advisor about ways to overcome them.

• Problem solving skills• Define the

problem, consider options and consequences, and develop solutions

• Time management• Stress

management

• Assigned Advisor

• Academic Tutoring & Labs

• Professor• Single Stop

Moderate Face every challenge head on! Seek out help, be persistent, and patient.

High Every challenge is an opportunity to build your character. Seek out help, be persistent, and patient.

Social ComfortScore Description Tools for Success Resources

Low How comfortable we feel in social situations varies from person to person. For all of us, social skills are developed over time. Talk to you advisor about ways to get involved that are best for you!

• Practice makes perfect! • Get involved

with a campus group or organization

• Seek out classmates who are socially confident. • Learn how

they handle social situations

• Take risks and expand your comfort zone• Participate in

classroom discussion or campus events

• Student Life• Assigned

Advisor• Professor• Single Stop

Moderate Continue to build your social skills! Getting involved with campus and classroom activities will strengthen your social muscles.

High Be a leader on campus and in the classroom! Continue to build your social skills by helping classmates become more socially confident.

Campus EngagementScore Description Tools for Success Resources

Low Getting involved will help you succeed in college! Learn more about campus activities at SharkNet, and talk to your advisor about your interests.

• Join a club or organization at the College

• Make time for activities outside of class

• Attend an MDC sporting or cultural event

• Have fun in college!

• Student Life• Assigned

Advisor• Professor

Moderate Join a club or organization on campus. Participating in campus activities will improve your chances of completing a college degree.

High Join a club or organization on campus. Participating in campus activities will improve your chances of completing a college degree.

The SSI will be administered to incoming freshman

Students receive written feedback immediately when they finish the assessment

Results Will help our entering first year students identify strengths and potential areas for improvement relative to entering college

When and by whom will this information be used?

Advisors can use results to identify individuals who might be at risk that would not be identified using traditional indicators such as low high school GPA or standardized test scores

Senior Academic & Career Advisors will discuss the students results at 1st advisement session◦ Alerts/triggers created based on responses ◦ Responses may prompt conversations regarding:

Improving study skills Full time versus part time Potential conflicts – work, other duties In-person versus virtual courses

When and by whom will this information be used?

List of campus-specific resources that address each of the 6 SSI factors

Included in the Advisement Syllabus provided at orientation by Senior Academic & Career Advisors

Crosswalks