In this study, the different types of research designs used to assess the impact of prerequisite courses are presented. Supported by an in-depth literature review, the challenges that are faced in the assessment of the impact of prerequisites, from statistical to political, are identified and their pitfalls are pointed out. In particular, the…

This article presents a summary of the main findings of a national literature review completed as part of a larger study of basic skills effective practices. The study summarized here was commissioned by the California Community Colleges System Office with the purpose of conducting a comprehensive review of national literature and identifying…

Discusses a research project that compared the academic performance of community college transfer students with returning students at a four-year institution. Reports that native students demonstrated stronger academic performance than transfers at this institution. (Contains 33 references.) (RC)

Examines parents' expectations from a community college and their roles in the college choice process of community college-bound students. Reports that, overall, parents had high academic goals for their children, wanted the college to prepare for bachelor's degrees, and overestimated their children's academic abilities. Discusses implications for…

Cites recent publications about developmental education. Offers annotated references to nine reports, studies, and briefs that cover issues ranging from the academic success of remedial students to the effectiveness of institutions' remedial programs. (NB)

Provides a taxonomy of cost containment actions for use in response to budget crises where revenues fall short of expenditures. Indicates four levels of actions: tactical temporary and tactical permanent, which have low to moderate impact on school operations; and strategic temporary and strategic permanent, which have moderate to high impact. (13…

Analyzes the relationship between student involvement and growth in community college students, particularly those intending to transfer to a four-year program, and compares outcomes for male and female students. Findings indicate that students benefited from talking with advisers, and that the relationship between student effort and growth was…

Focuses on difference in perceptions of chief student affairs officers (CSAOs) of color and white CSAOs regarding barriers and strategies for recruiting and retaining two-year college students of color. Reports that CSAOs of color were more likely to perceive attitudinal barriers, such as negative campus racial climates, and structural barriers,…

Institutional and survey data of community college transfer students in Missouri was used to determine if grade transfer shock (GTS) was related to student outcomes and whether demographic, institutional, and traditional counseling services were associated with GTS. GTS was found to be negatively related to student outcome measures at the…

Compares academic achievement and persistence of General Education Development diploma (GED) recipients and traditional high school graduates enrolled in an urban, multi-cultural community college in Florida. Reports that holders of the GED generally perform as well in remedial courses as do high school graduates. Contains 43 references and five…

Examines the limitations of traditional transfer rate indicators, suggesting that their use as measures of institutional effectiveness is inappropriate. Reviews methodologies of two national transfer rate models in terms of the importance of time frames for transfer, minimum credit hour thresholds, curriculum intent, and student intent. Recommends…

Lists the latest ERIC documents that describe institutional and state studies of community college remedial programs. Provides bibliographical information and a brief abstract of relevant documents. (YKH)