Increasing demand for at least some postsecondary education in today's labor market has met with stagnating college completion rates. As a result, states have a growing interest in better understanding the challenges to improving graduation rates and in tracking student progress and success. Six states in the "Achieving the Dream: Community…

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…

Although the literature is clear that self-determination is an important component of the transition planning process for students with disabilities preparing for postsecondary education, further studies are needed to explore what self-determination strategies these students use to remain in college and successfully meet the challenges in…

In 1994, Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), in North Carolina, conducted a survey of career graduates (i.e., those who had not subsequently enrolled in a four-year college or university) to determine outcomes and assess graduates' satisfaction with the college, comparing findings with outcomes from previous years. Surveys were mailed to…

The journal articles included in this bibliography of materials on music instruction in two-year colleges were identified in "Current Index to Journals in Education,""Education Index,""Music Educators Journal: Cumulative Index 1914-1987," and "Music Index." Nearly 90% of the articles discovered were available for review through the library…

A survey was conducted of a random sample of students who had enrolled in one of the seven community colleges in the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota in spring 1992, but who did not return in fall 1992. A total of 300 students from each of the colleges (i.e., Anoka-Ramsey, Cambridge Center, Inver Hills, Lakewood, Minneapolis, North Hennepin,…

Hundreds of prospective students engage the Owens Community College (OCC) three-step admission process each semester before voluntarily disengaging the institution. A study was conducted to assess student motivation to engage or disengage OCC based on factors related to student disposition, institutional motivation, and student situation, and to…

In an effort to determine success in retaining students through the successful completion of their educational goals, Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) conducted a study of student outcomes for fall 1994. The study focused on six measurements: fall 1993-94 retention, successful course completion, the effect of mid-semester progress reports sent…

This novel relates the story of Jesse and Abel, two Mexican American brothers trying to improve their life situation and and escape their heritage of tedious physical labor by furthering their education through junior college. Jesse loves his mother, but grows tired of his mean and disrespectful Anglo stepfather. Jesse doesn't understand why his…

In summer 1994, an employer follow-up study was conducted at John Tyler Community College (JTCC), in Chester, Virginia, to gather data on JTCC graduates' preparation for their jobs, attitudes toward work, and adequacy of specific skills. Based on permission granted by graduates, surveys were sent to 127 employers of JTCC graduates, with usable…

Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ) enrolls over 6,300 students annually in college-credit telecourses and computer-based courses. At the midpoint of each term, all students who have withdrawn from a distance education course are surveyed regarding their reasons for withdrawing and their perceptions of possible improvements. In winter…

As part of a review of its Interior Design department, William Rainey Harper College in Illinois conducted a study of graduates and current students in fall 1994 to determine student goals, actual outcomes, and perceptions of program quality. Questionnaires were sent to 197 graduates from 1989 to 1994 and a sample of 250 current students;…

Designed as a self-directed career planning resource for students at community colleges, this booklet presents four modules providing students with step-by-step career exploration activities and information. The first module, Introduction to Career Planning, discusses the effect of career choice on students' lives and the reasons why people choose…

Intended for the college community and various campus constituencies working with the college, this report provides data on students enrolled at Bellevue Community College (BCC), in Washington, as of fall 1995. Following an executive summary and introduction, data are presented for 1990-95 and specifically for fall 1995 on student age, gender,…

In 1991, a study was conducted at Riverside City College (RCC), in California, to determine the development of science reasoning among students. A science reasoning test was administered at the beginning and again at the end of fall 1991 to two samples: a college-wide sample of 843 students enrolled in one of 55 courses, and a science-oriented…