ERIC Number: EJ913950
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1066-8926
EISSN: N/A
Pathways and Persistence: Basic Skills Students at One Washington State Community College
Burn, Helen E.; Gerhard, Gabrielle
Community College Journal of Research and Practice, v35 n3 p220-233 2011
Pressures to increase accountability in basic skills education have encouraged policy makers and postsecondary institutions to focus on student achievement. Using the Washington State Student Achievement Initiative Database and two consecutive years of data, this study examines the academic progress of basic skills students at one community college over the course of a year. Overall, one program, I-BEST short-term education and training leading to a certificate or further education or training, was the most successful route to earning college credit. However, other basic skills students frequently earned college credit that could lead to degrees and transferable credits. Many students in all basic skills programs made no measured academic skill gains. Demographic differences suggest that self-selection bias must be considered in drawing conclusions from the course-taking patterns. These findings indicate more attention should be paid not only to college credits earned but to enrollment as well. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Course Selection (Students), Academic Achievement, College Credits, Basic Skills, Achievement Gains, Achievement Rating, Academic Records, Student Characteristics, School Demography, Predictor Variables, Academic Persistence, College Transfer Students, College Outcomes Assessment
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Washington
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A