In this toolbox article, the authors describe the recommended steps for creating a community college balanced scorecard that measures and reports on key performance indicators based on targets and signal values to end-users, college constituents and external stakeholders. Based on extensive experience in the field, the authors provide a…

The initiation of new accreditation standards for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 2002 mandated assessing student learning as a requirement for all community colleges. This study examined a non-Californian community college recognized by experts as having successfully institutionalized student learning outcomes. Qualitative data…

Presents findings from a retrospective analysis of the academic records of 1,581 students who received associate's degrees from the City Colleges of Chicago in spring 1987. Indicates that 4% of the students completed the degree within 2 years, and 20% took 10 years or more. The modal time-to-degree fell between two and four years. (MAB)

Several cognitive motivational scales were examined for their ability to predict short-range academic outcomes (grades, percentage of units earned over units attempted, units earned), and to measure cognitive gains as a consequence of services provided by community college counseling offices. The findings suggest that scales measuring…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify critically important factors that affect the meaningful assessment of student learning outcomes and study why these factors were critically important. A three-round Delphi process was used to solicit the opinions of individuals who were actively involved in student learning outcomes assessment…

Discusses the history, struggles, and successes of assessment work done at Tacoma Community College (TCC) (Washington). Demonstrates the state and national work TCC has accomplished and the partnerships that have been formed with other institutions as a result of the work. Offers assessment grid example. (NB)

Examines developmental/remedial programs at public two-year institutions across four geographical regions of the United States in order to investigate regional variations in these programs. Analyzes operational characteristics, institutional policies, and student participation and performance. Provides recommendations for practitioners,…

Describes a study of the lives of Johnson County Community College students, focusing on the ways students apportioned their time, the problems they experienced and their solutions, their expectations and experiences, and the impact of the college on the students. Students typically had many obligations in addition to education. Includes 6 data…

Describes a study conducted to gather information about the number of two-year college students who hold baccalaureate degrees. Finds that, for academic year 1997-98: (1) 12,946 students out of 753,255 already had bachelor's degrees, 2,527 had master's degrees, and 142 had doctoral degrees; and (2) criminal justice development was the most popular…

Describes a study that uses multiple regression analysis to identify factors associated with attrition as well as discriminant analysis to develop a profile of high-risk students before they start classes. Results show that being placed on academic probation was the best predictor of whether a student would leave school. Includes one data table.…

Analyzes the relationship between student involvement and growth in community college students, particularly those intending to transfer to a four-year program, and compares outcomes for male and female students. Findings indicate that students benefited from talking with advisers, and that the relationship between student effort and growth was…

Describes a study investigating the academic relationship between passing standards on Florida's College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) and student achievement as measured by CLAST. Discusses assumptions underpinning the phased-in implementation of twice raised CLAST passing standards. Indicates that increased academic standards failed to…

Describes the philosophy and practical steps involved in doing outcomes assessment on student services. Discusses several assessment models, with special attention placed on Nichol's outcomes assessment template. Describes the process as applied at Lower Columbia College (Washington). (Contains two tables and seven references.) (NB)

Focuses on difference in perceptions of chief student affairs officers (CSAOs) of color and white CSAOs regarding barriers and strategies for recruiting and retaining two-year college students of color. Reports that CSAOs of color were more likely to perceive attitudinal barriers, such as negative campus racial climates, and structural barriers,…

Provides an annotated bibliography of 13 research studies in the ERIC database that examine how and to what effect telecommunications and related technologies have been used in community college instructional programs. Includes studies of telecommunications usage, student characteristics, and outcomes and program planning and evaluation documents.…