Amidst the growing diverse student population, community colleges are enrolling an increasing number of adult immigrant-background students. However, recent research trends tend to focus on students who enter community colleges from the U.S. K-12 system (Generation 1.5 learners), leaving a significant gap in the research and a lack of cohesion in…

This two-year case study summarizes the views of students, instructors, and administrators toward a learning community program that served first-year developmental reading students at a public two-year college. One-on-one interviews and focus groups revealed that semester-long learning communities helped students overcome obstacles toward academic…

In this article, we examined the extant literature regarding college-readiness in math for students entering community colleges. Included in this review are the following topics: (a) the role of community colleges between secondary and postsecondary institutions; (b) national initiatives for college-readiness standards in math; (c) Texas…

Despite efforts to improve college student success, such as through first-year initiatives, significant numbers of students at two- and four-year institutions still do not persist past the first year to graduation. The challenges only increase for community colleges serving diverse populations such as first generation, low income, and immigrant…

Community college students invest considerable time and money into attending college, but too few of them complete their programs of study. This paper discusses how the development of an overall framing vision for student success, the implementation of evidence-based practices, and the establishment of a culture that is both committed to student…

While developmental education in community colleges has the potential to prepare students for college-level work, its effectiveness and need is often questioned. Further, while Latinx students are overrepresented in developmental courses, there is a dearth of literature on their experiences in such courses and how to effectively serve their needs…

This report is an in-depth case study of the Pathway to the Baccalaureate program at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). The purpose of the case study is to describe in vivid detail the struggles of nontraditional college students and to show one college's innovative ideas for assisting these students. The Pathway to the Baccalaureate…

Students who are seriously academically deficient, those who are underprepared in all subjects, face many academic challenges as they begin their coursework in higher education. However, students also face nonacademic and personal issues that create additional barriers to success. The results of this study suggest that increases in student success…

This article reports research involving collaboration between a developmental studies department and a mathematics department in an effort to increase the academic success of developmental students who transition into college-level math. Three separate projects were conducted with former developmental math students currently enrolled in an…

The Alternative Freshman Year (AFY) program instituted at a community college extension of an eastern university can serve as a model for other developmental education programs. The program, now in its fourth year, helps to upgrade the language and math skills of academically and emotionally unprepared students. Students are admitted to the…

This document argues that the availability of developmental education is essential to the well being of the American economy and social structure. By the year 2050, U.S. citizens will be older and nearly 50% will belong to a minority group. The fastest growing population is Hispanic American, resulting from immigration and higher birth rates. This…

Describes Hawaii Community College's vocational preparation (Voc Prep) program, which focuses on basic communication, literacy, and mathematics skills to prepare students to enter vocational programs. Compares the Voc Prep learning community model, which includes vocational and basic skills instruction, personal development, and counseling, with…

This descriptive report focuses on Milwaukee Area Technical College's Crossover Program, which was designed to help students who have demonstrated a low level of academic preparedness on their admissions placement test to improve their basic academic skills and choose a realistic program of study. The first sections of the report describe the…

Asserts that taking Introduction to College Writing, a fundamental writing course at Central Missouri State University, improves student academic achievement by developing their basic writing skills and preparing them for more advanced, general education writing courses. (VWC)

This booklet, issued by the Summer Scholars Transfer Institute (SSTI), encourages collaboration in promoting access and achievement in the education of under-represented students at urban community colleges. SSTI is an eleven-day residential program for community college students held at the University of California, Irvine campus. It is designed…