This study confirmed appropriate measurement model fit for a theoretical model, the STEM vocational choice (STEM-VC) model. This model identifies exogenous factors that successfully predicted, at a statistically significant level, a student's vocational choice decision to pursue a STEM degree at transfer. The student population examined for this…

This dissertation is a study of factors that contribute to dropout from distance learning classes in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). It is divided into five chapters. Chapter One gives a history of distance learning through in KCTCS. It includes the background of the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the…

This index of effort is proposed as a means by which those in charge of student recruitment activities at community colleges can be sure that their efforts are being directed toward all of the appropriate population. The index is an analytical model based on the concept of socio-economic profiles, using small area 1970 census data, and is the…

Diminishing financial resources have decreased the availability of individual counseling and instructional services. It therefore becomes more critical to accurately identify those students most likely to need specialized treatment. The model presented here is designed to extend various socio-psychological concepts based on environmental cause…

Data from 1,243 vocational-technical college freshmen in Taiwan were used to construct a primary persistence model of 8 significant predictors (first-semester grade point average, gender, entrance examination, major, social integration, gym grade, occupational guidance, parent education, academic remediation); a secondary model added…

Presents a research-based model of student persistence. Concludes that high school academic achievement, needs for financial aid and employment, day/evening status, goal commitment, and expected student/college fit have primary effects on persistence, while background characteristics and academic self-confidence have secondary effects. Explains…

The Walberg Educational Productivity Model theorizes that learning in its affective, behavioral, and cognitive aspects is causally influenced by factors in the areas of individual aptitude (i.e., prior achievement, age or stage of maturation, and motivation), instructional treatment (i.e., quantity of time spent in learning situations and…

The Bean and Metzner Nontraditional Undergraduate Student Attrition Model appeared to be a good model to address community college student attrition because it takes into account the environmental variables that colleges must consider to enhance persistence. A study was conducted to determine how well the Bean and Metzner Model fit with community…

In forecasting its fall credit headcounts, the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis at Prince George's Community College (PGCC) utilizes the Component Yield Method (CYM), an enrollment projection model developed by the college's planning analyst in the early 1980's. By disaggregating enrolled students into multiple groups, each with an…

Variables that affect persistence were investigated with a sample of community college students. A causal model was used that incorporates variables from the Bean-Metzner model. Persistence was defined as attainment of a vocational certificate, degree, or continued enrollment in 1980 in pursuit of such an outcome. Data on 1,210 students were…

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…

This document describes a model for predicting the success of recent high school graduates in Florida community college business courses. In the development of the model, test scores from the Florida Twelfth Grade Test and grades earned during the senior year by high school graduates from eleven high schools in Brevard County entering their first…

Assesses the applicability of several related models of student retention/attrition to community colleges. Presents the results of a longitudinal study of freshman-year retention and performance, revealing that certain pre-enrollment variables coupled with first-semester academic performance data can help institutions identify potential dropouts.…

The predictive validity of the Comparative Guidance and Placement Program (CGP) tests for two diverse curricular groups was examined. Three methods for developing predictive equations were compared. The CGP was administered to 417 Liberal Studies and 316 Business Technical students at a New England community college. Principal component analyses…

Reasons for the lack of agreement among studies of persistence are considered, using a simplified causal model. Two major theoretical perspectives used in studying the educational careers of college entrants are summarized: (1) the Tinto or institutional persistence theory, which draws mainly on the discipline of education and applied…