ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

What We’re Learning

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Lauren Ilano, The RP Group

ZTC Summit | May 1, 2026

Author, The RP Group

Event | Date

Agenda

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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About The RP Group

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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The RP Group is a nonprofit, nonpartisan team made up of a dedicated Board of Directors and staff, working together with a shared and resolute goal: to increase the success of California community colleges and beyond.

Mission:

• Supports equitable outcomes
• Uplift student voices
• Empower researchers and planners

Services:

• Research, evaluation, planning, professional development, and technical assistance
• Designed and conducted by CCC practitioners

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Organization: 501(c)3 with roots as membership organization

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Context and Purpose of ZTC Evaluation

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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Legislative Reporting Requirements

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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The chancellor shall, by June 30, 2027, report to the Legislature, the Legislative Analyst's Office, and the Departmcent of Finance on the following:�

• The number of degrees developed and implemented. Degrees shall also be disaggregated by the number of degrees that eliminated textbook costs and the number of degrees that significantly lowered textbook costs.�
• The number of open educational resources developed and curated within each district, disaggregated by college.

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• The estimated annual savings to students.�
• The number of students who completed a zero-textbook-cost degree program and accessed open educational resources.

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To provide recommendations to increase, expand, or improve the offering of degrees and the use of open educational resources.

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Evaluation Questions

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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1. How many programs, courses, and course sections have been developed with no or low-cost course textbooks through ZTC Grant funding?
2. How many students have enrolled in these course sections?
3. What impact has ZTC implementation had on course and program completions over time for degree programs that have implemented no or low-cost textbooks?

Data Collection Approach

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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Sources of Information

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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ZTC NOVA Templates

• Timeframe:
• Summer 2024-Summer 2025
• Data Collected
• Programs
• Direct/Indirect ZTC Pathway?
• Implementation status
• Sections
• ZTC Grant Funded?
• OER Materials Used?

Importance of NOVA Reporting for ZTC Legislative Report

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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• Document our collective impact
• Identify areas for improvement
• Advocate for ongoing support
• Inform the State Legislature and the public of our collective success

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Emerging findings from NOVA Data Collection

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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Data on ZTC Grant-Funded Programs and Sections

ZTC Impact at a Glance

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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ZTC Grant-Funded Program Pathways

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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760 Directly Funded Programs

711 Indirectly Funded Programs

xX Associates For TRANSFER

192 Associate Degrees for Transfer

262 Associate Degrees

213 Certificates

41 Noncredit Awards

382 Associate Degrees for Transfer

215 Associate Degrees

148 Certificates

14 Noncredit Awards

1 Bachelor Degrees

ZTC Program Pathways Implementation Status

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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Over ¼ of funded programs are fully ZTC

ZTC Program Pathways by Area

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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Student Impact and Insights

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

ZTC Grant-Funded Sections and Enrollments

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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Utilization of OER

Materials

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

62%

of ZTC Grant-Funded Sections Use OER Materials

Estimated Cost Savings (2024-2025)

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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x

=

Next Steps

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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Future Research

ZTC Coordinator Survey Open Now!

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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Use the QR Code to Access the Survey!

46 colleges have responded so far!

Upcoming Statewide Student Survey - Fall 2026

ZTC Data Collection and Analysis

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Purpose: To better understand students’ experiences with free instructional materials

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• The survey is designed to understand how students perceive their affordability, accessibility, and their overall quality and impact on learning.

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• Topics Include:
• Course-Taking and Material Costs
• ZTC Awareness and Interest
• ZTC Student Experience
• Perceived Effects of ZTC Offerings
• Student Demographics

Thank you!

Questions? Contact:

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Alyssa Nguyen, anguyen@rpgroup.org

Lauren Ilano, lilano@rpgroup.org

www.rpgroup.org