Community colleges nationwide are tasked with meeting the needs of a wide range of students, many of whom come to higher education with financial, educational, and social disadvantages. Developing strategies to effectively serve these students and promote their academic and personal success can be challenging and resource-intensive. The study…

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…

Describes two methodologies utilized to evaluate developmental reading instruction at Suffolk Community College (New York). The first examined student grade point averages (GPAs), and the second compared pre- and posttest reading test scores. Finds beneficial impact on students' overall GPAs and significant gains in reading skills. Suggests the…

Provides evidence that students who participated in the ASSET One-Stop Shopping program demonstrated enhanced academic progress and achievement. Includes suggestions for fostering student success in college. (17 citations) (YKH)

Describes a study that used Unemployment Insurance/Social Security Insurance wage data to examine the effects of participation in educational programs at a multicultural, inner city community college. Reports impressive gains in earnings for economically disadvantaged students who completed associate degrees (257%) and for associate degree…

Analyzes the outcomes of a learning assessment approach used at a Midwest community college. Reports that data were obtained from students' scores on prompts and the college's student information management system. Finds that: (1) 76% of prompts were scored at a level that indicated students met general education achievement levels; and (2) 55% of…

Discusses student participation in campus focus groups to identify what did and did not work in the transfer process, and what should be improved. Distinguishes course transfer, inter-and intra-institutional communications, and advising as major points of concern in transferring. (VWC)

Reports on a partnership formed in 1992 to study the transfer process among and between high schools, community colleges, and universities. Describes results in terms of student flow patterns, efficiency of the transfer process, and academic performance patterns. (14 citations) (VWC)