Drawing from research and observations at Lansing Community College (Michigan) (LCC), this paper argues that typical arithmetic courses do little to prepare students to master algebra, and proposes an alternative set of arithmetic skills as actual prerequisites to algebra. The first section offers a description of the algebra sequence at LCC,…

A study investigated the extent to which 104 community college students' experiences with key college processes during the first few weeks of school predicted their persistence or withdrawal from the college in the second semester. Results identified a small set of processes, both administrative and instructional, that differentiated between…

A study using the Markov chain model was conducted at Kirkwood Community College (KCC) in Iowa to predict the age and probationary status of faculty members over the next 20 years and to estimate the budget required to cover increased salaries associated with additional experience. The study predicted faculty composition under four alternative…

In 1983-84, the Center for the Study of Community Colleges developed and field tested an instrument, the General Academic Assessment (GAA), to assess community college students' knowledge of several liberal arts areas, including mathematics. The GAA was completed by a sample of 8,024 students at four large, urban community college districts. The…

In 1986, a study was conducted by the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) to evaluate the relationship between reading placement scores and classroom performance. The study sample consisted of students from fall 1985, spring 1986, and fall 1986 who had been tested using the College Board Assessment and Placement Test upon…

In an effort to encourage the growth and maturity of its students, Broome Community College in New York abolished its attendance policy. For the past 7 years, both attendance rates and grade point averages (GPA's) of students at the college had been dropping. In 1990, a study was conducted at BCC to determine if there was a measurable relationship…

A study was conducted at Sacramento City College (California) to determine the possibility of identifying high-risk students from information available from applications, assessment results, transcripts, and college enrollment data. Fall 1985 grade point averages (GPA) and progress percentages were used for high or low risk determination. Study…

In 1991, a study was conducted at Broome Community College in New York to determine the differences between those faculty members and administrators that supported affirmative action/equal access and those who did not. The study was undertaken to determine whether policies and procedures needed to be refined to ensure equal access and promotional…

A study was conducted to investigate the differential predictability of academic success between those who transferred to a private multipurpose university from two-year colleges and those who transferred from four-year institutions. The study looked at success after one academic year, using Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores and grade point…

To better understand the effect of student background, work load, and attitudes on performance in intermediate algebra, a study was conducted in summer 1990 among students at a central Texas community college using pre- and post-course questionnaires completed by 124 of 157 students in 8 sections of intermediate algebra. Respondents were…

High risk students in college chemistry are often identified by low mathematics SAT scores, low American Chemical Society Toledo scores, and secondary school chemistry grades. This study was designed to identify additional variables that can be used at the community college level as predictors of success in chemistry. The study compared students'…

This study was designed to identify variables which account for successful performance in a remedial community college mathematics laboratory. Mathematics pretest scores, mathematics skills test scores, attendance time, age, gender, and attitude were used to help predict achievement. The sample consisted of the total population in the mathematics…

Drawing from studies conducted at Prince George's Community College (PGCC) between 1989 and 1991, this report offers a profile of developmental students at PGCC and an analysis of the remedial education needs of fall 1990 first-time students. The first section of the report reviews findings from a number of statewide and institutional studies…

In 1989, a study was conducted of the academic achievement of Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) Area Community College (HACC) students who transferred to State University I (SUI) during the fall semesters of 1983, 1984, and 1985. A total of 81 students were identified and their academic records were tracked through the end of the spring semester 1989.…