This study aims to analyse the impact of demographic and educational factors on in digital upskilling. We address the relationship between digital skills, critical thinking skills and the student learning experience in courses with embedded upskilling programs. Statistical analysis and exploratory research are used to analyse the data collected by…

Given growing disparities in college enrollment by household income, policymakers and researchers often are interested in understanding whether policies expand access for low-income students. In this brief, we highlight the limitations of a commonly available measure of low-income status--whether students receive a federal Pell grant--and compare…

The test-optional movement in the United States emerged largely in response to criticism of standardized admissions tests as inadequate and potentially biased measures of postsecondary promise. Although anecdotal reports suggest that test-optional policies have improved campus diversity, empirical research has not yet confirmed this claim.…

Using Pell grant awards as a proxy for the enrollment of low-income students is common. The most recent National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) data shows that only 16.9% of community college students enrolled in credit courses receive these grants. This paper examines 7 different hypotheses that might explain this low rate. It finds…

A guide for analyzing the effects of the current student aid delivery system and for estimating the effects of system alternatives is presented. Attention is directed to measures, data sources, and analysis methods needed to evaluate the effects of each delivery system activity on the various participants (e.g., lenders, financial aid applicants,…

An evaluation model for the student aid delivery system is described, and extensive tables that make up the model are presented. The model can be used to evaluate the effects of specific activities and subsystems of the delivery system for major participants, as well as to estimate the likely effects of activity changes. A conceptual model for…

This publication identifies the front-line lessons learned to date on the role of education in the next phase of welfare reform. It presents the voices of leading welfare administrators, educators, business people, and current and former welfare recipients. Part 1, "Identifying the Issues," presents "The Case for Investing in…

A framework for monitoring quality control (QC) of processor contracts administered by the Department of Education's Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) is presented and applied to the Pell Grant program. Guidelines for establishing QC measures and standards are included, and the uses of a sampling procedure in the QC system are…