In 2007, the Basic Skills Initiative (BSI) was launched in California's 109 (now 110) community colleges. This initiative responds to an increasing awareness that state policies favoring "open access" also result in the enrollment of large numbers of students who are underprepared to succeed in college-level work. Identified as a key…

The purpose of this study was to identify instructional strategies and support services of five learning community programs that focus on the retention of African American students at California Community Colleges. Empirical research indicates that colleges and universities have historically structured their curricula, student services programs,…

Many students with disabilities entering the 9th grade express concern about getting lost in the larger high school environment, being picked on by older students, and having more challenging academic classes. The transition from middle-to-high school process for students with disabilities at Westminster High School in suburban Los Angeles is a…

This study examined how time spent caring for a teenage sister's child and experiences in providing care related to youths' young adult outcomes. Latino and African American youths (N = 108) were studied during middle and late adolescence. Results indicated that youths who provided many hours of child care were more stressed and had lower school…

This handbook is designed to help Chinese parents of school age children in California understand the operation of the California public schools. Printed in Chinese and English, it is presented in a question and answer format. Included in the handbook is information on student enrollment from kindergarten through grade 12, public school programs…

This handbook is designed to help Korean parents of school age children in California understand the operation of the schools. Printed in Korean and English, it is designed in a question and answer format. Included in the handbook is information on student enrollment from kindergarten through grade 12, public school programs and curriculum,…

This handbook is designed to help Vietnamese parents of school age children in California understand the operation of the schools. Printed in Vietnamese and English, it is designed in a question and answer format. Included in the handbook is information on student enrollment from kindergarten through grade twelve, public school programs and…

The Summer Readiness Program, sponsored by Santa Barbara City College (California) and Neighborhood Youth Corps (NYC) is an orientation program for disadvantaged students. The 65 students enrolled during summer 1972 were given tutorial assistance and group-counseling and were placed in part-time jobs. In addition to making recommendations, one…

This lesson plan calls for first-grade students to plan a special "Parent Night" as an activity so parents can take a tour and get acquainted with the school. The lesson plan sets out the task in a letter from the principal; presents the day-by-day (11 days), step-by-step (three or four steps each day) process, including conclusion and…

Examines the impact of matriculation services--counseling, orientation, and placement testing--on student persistence and success in a California community college. Reports that the receipt of matriculation services had a large and positive impact on student persistence. Adds that students who received no services, but then received an…

Drawing from information submitted by 60 urban, rural, and suburban institutions, this report documents the progress of California's community colleges in implementing the first phase of a statewide matriculation plan. Introductory material defines matriculation as a process that promotes and sustains the efforts of students to reach their…

An estimated one million students drop out of school each year; this is but one indicator of the failure of schools to provide equal educational opportunity for all children. One main reason is the failure to take into account the diverse backgrounds of the students. In particular, schools have been structured in a manner that discriminates…

In winter 1982-83, a survey of California's community colleges was conducted to determine which assessment activities were considered most effective and to identify areas needing improvement. Responses were received from 99 of the 106 colleges in the system. Study findings included the following: (1) assessment procedures, counseling procedures,…

On a measure of conflict between home and school values relating to 4 areas in which cultures can be shown to conflict (Locus of Control, Activity Orientation, Time Orientation, and Authority Relationships) 481 ninth grade students from 5 ethnic groups in a variety of California school settings were studied and alientation from school values was…

A study was conducted by the Learning Assessment Retention Consortium of the California Community Colleges to determine the extent to which the state's community colleges had implemented matriculation practices which were recommended by the Board of Governors in 1984, but which had not received state funding. The study investigated college…