Examined in this study were faculty perceptions of students who do not continue their college education. Also examined was how urban and rural community colleges faculty perceived academic preparation, work ethics, and institutional support as predictors of student success. In this predictive study of community college faculty, 36 faculty members…

The purpose of the study was to identify factors that affect students' persistence in completion of the GED. Exploration of characteristics of participants that do/do not persist and obtain their GED assists the high school dropout, potential GED recipient, GED program staff, and society as a whole. More information was needed in order to…

Analyzed data for three cohorts of male, African-American community college students in a longitudinal design for three semesters, and used logistic regression to identify factors that best predict retention. Found that high school grades, age, number of courses, a positive view of personal skills, clear high goals, and the early identification of…

This article demonstrates, through a case study, the use of pre-existing subgroups as moderator variables to increase the predictive effectiveness of educational research. Use of moderator variables in this study increased the amount of explained variance by 460 percent. (JDS)

Failure to identify and account for the effect of moderator variables is an important reason for the low explanatory power of much educational research. Pre-existing subgroups such as sex, ethnicity, and curriculum offer an easily identifiable and theoretically meaningful source of moderator variables. Tests for intercept and slope differences in…

Effects of credit load on the intent-turnover relation at a community college were assessed. Results of a stepwise logistic regression model for 316 students indicate that intent was more strongly related to turnover among students carrying 13 or more credit hours as compared to students carrying fewer credit hours. (TJH)

Two multiple regression analyses were conducted by Kapiolani Community College (KCC) to determine if selected characteristics of first-time students could be used in a predictive equation to identify potential dropouts. Correlations were determined between two dependent and 21 independent variables. The dependent variables were the achievement of…

This report explores factors influencing the persistence and graduation of students at New York City Technical College. Part 1 presents an overview of an 8-semester study conducted of 307 freshmen from September 1989 through June 1994, while part 2 describes the research procedure utilized, indicating that the following types of data were…

A study examined the variables affecting individuals' decisions to discontinue attendance in or complete their adult basic education (ABE) program. The study sample consisted of 2,323 students enrolled in an ABE program through an urban community college in the Midwest over a 2-year period. Data were derived from student records and program…

Describes a study applying the Tinto Model to predict student persistence/exit in a community college setting. A questionnaire assessing background, environmental, and integration variables was administered to full-time students during their first semester, successfully predicting subsequent persistence/exit behavior and affirming the utility of…

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…

A study was conducted to examine several academic and non-academic variables in terms of their relationship to student attrition at Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC). The study sample consisted of 306 associate in arts degree-seeking students who first enrolled in fall 1981. Four groups of students, defined according to the last semester…

Discusses a survey of nonreturning students at Cuyamaca College (California), distinguishing between positive attrition (successful nonreturners) and negative attrition (unsuccessful nonreturners). Compares two groups in terms of goals, employment, satisfaction with college, high school performance, gender, and ethnicity. Recommends…

Beginning in 1992, Atlantic Community College, in New Jersey, conducted a 4-semester study to determine which factors resulted in student attrition and whether the factors that affected retention changed during the study period. The study population included 119 degree-seeking students who entered in January 1992 and who took the state's basic…

In spring 1995, Illinois' Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC) conducted a two-part survey of a random sample of 800 new students to determine their activities, satisfaction with college services, problems at the college, and sources of help. In addition, variables associated with the student retention and attrition through 1995-96 were…