ERIC Number: EJ759809
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 15
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3737
EISSN: N/A
Shaping Policies Related to Developmental Education: An Evaluation Using the Regression-Discontinuity Design
Moss, Brian G.; Yeaton, William H.
Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, v28 n3 p215-229 Fall 2006
Utilizing the regression-discontinuity research design, this article explores the effectiveness of a developmental English program in a large, multicampus community college. Routinely collected data were extracted from existing records of a cohort of first-time college students followed for approximately 6 years (N = 1,473). Results are consistent with a conclusion that students' participation in the program increases English academic achievement to levels similar to those of students not needing developmental coursework. The findings are also consistent with a conclusion that those students in greatest need of developmental English benefit the most from the program. This study provides an inexpensive, inferentially rigorous, program evaluation strategy that can be applied with few additional efforts to assess existing programs and to guide policy decisions. (Contains 2 tables, 2 figures and 3 notes.)
Descriptors: Research Design, Program Evaluation, Developmental Studies Programs, Policy Formation, English for Academic Purposes, Instructional Effectiveness, Program Validation, Cohort Analysis, Portfolio Assessment, Research Methodology, Remedial Programs, Curriculum Research
American Educational Research Association. 1230 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036-3078. Tel: 202-223-9485; Fax: 202-775-1824; e-mail: subscriptions@aera.net; Web site: http://www.aera.net
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: Policymakers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A