Performance Accountability Systems for Community Colleges: Lessons for the Voluntary Framework of Accountability for Community CollegesPaper by: Kevin Dougherty, Rachel Hare & Rebecca Natow — 2009This report discusses findings and implications of a study commissioned by the College Board to inform the development of the Voluntary Framework of Accountability for Community Colleges. CCRC researchers identified the performance indicators that states are already using for their community colleges and interviewed state higher education officials and local community college leaders on their experiences with the collection and use of such performance data.View Abstract | Download the PDFHelping Students Navigate the Path to College: What High Schools Can DoPaper by: W. G. Tierney, Thomas Bailey, J. Constantine, N. Finkelstein & N. F. Hurd — 2009This guide, published by the Institute of Education Sciences, is intended to help schools and districts develop practices to increase access to higher education. The guide indicates the level of research evidence informing each of its five recommendations.View Abstract | Download the PDFThe Demise of Higher Education Performance Funding Systems in Three States (CCRC Working Paper No. 17)Paper by: Kevin Dougherty & Rebecca Natow — 2009To better understand the unstable institutionalization of performance funding in higher education, this paper examines three states (Illinois, Washington, and Florida) that have experienced performance funding program cessation.View Abstract | Download the PDFEducational Outcomes of I-BEST, Washington State Community and Technical College System’s Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training Program:
Findings from a Multivariate Analysis (CCRC Working Paper No. 16)Paper by: Davis Jenkins, Matthew Zeidenberg & Gregory S. Kienzl — 2009This paper presents findings from a study on the outcomes of students participating in I-BEST, an innovative program in Washington State designed to increase the rate at which adult basic skills students enter and succeed in postsecondary occupational education and training.View Abstract | Download the PDFAchieving the Dream Colleges in Pennsylvania and Washington State: Early Progress Toward Building a Culture of EvidencePaper by: Davis Jenkins, Todd Ellwein, John Wachen, Monica Reid Kerrigan & Sung-Woo Cho — 2009Colleges participating in the Achieving the Dream initiative commit to using data to improve programs and services in ways that lead to increased student success--a process known as "building a culture of evidence." This report describes the progress made by the 13 Pennsylvania and Washington State community colleges that comprise Round 3 of the initiative after planning and one year of implementation.View Abstract | Download the PDFFaculty and Administrator Data Use at Achieving the Dream Colleges: A Summary of Survey FindingsPaper by: Davis Jenkins & Monica Reid Kerrigan — 2009This report summarizes findings from a study based largely on a 100-item survey instrument developed by CCRC and MDRC. More than 4,000 faculty and administrators at 41 Achieving the Dream colleges were surveyed about what kinds of student data they use, how accessible data on students are at their college, how they use data in their jobs, and what types of data they find most useful. View Abstract | Download the PDFFormative Evaluation of the Student Achievement Initiative "Learning Year"Paper by: Davis Jenkins, Todd Ellwein & Katherine Boswell — 2009In September 2007, the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges launched the Student Achievement Initiative (SAI), a system-wide policy to reward colleges for improvements in student achievement. This report presents findings from an independent qualitative review of the initiative conducted by CCRC during the 2007-08 SAI learning year. View Abstract | Download the PDFEvidence-Based Decision Making in Community Colleges: Findings from a Survey of Faculty and Administrator Data Use at Achieving the Dream CollegesPaper by: Davis Jenkins & Monica Reid Kerrigan — 2008Based on a survey of faculty and administrators at 41 Achieving the Dream colleges, this study examines what specific data college faculty and administrators use in their jobs and the extent to which they use data analysis to design and improve the impact of college programs and services.View Abstract | Download the PDFReferral, Enrollment, and Completion in Developmental Education Sequences in Community Colleges (CCRC Working Paper No. 15)Paper by: Thomas Bailey, Dong Wook Jeong & Sung-Woo Cho — 2008Using a longitudinal dataset from Achieving the Dream colleges as well as NELS data, this paper analyzes patterns and determinants of student progression through sequences of developmental education starting from initial referral.View Abstract | Download the PDFBridges to Opportunity for Underprepared Adults: A State Policy Guide for Community College LeadersPaper by: Various Authors — 2008This guide offers practical strategies and tools for addressing the need to provide large numbers of working-age adults with education and training that will allow them to secure jobs paying wages sufficient to support their families and have access to real opportunities for social mobility in American society. View AbstractChallenge And Opportunity: Rethinking the Role and Function of Developmental Education in Community College (Working Paper No. 14)Paper by: Thomas Bailey — 2008This paper reviews evidence on the effectiveness of developmental education and goes on to suggest a broad reform agenda for helping students with weak academic skills.View Abstract | Download the PDFNoncredit Enrollment in Workforce Education: State Policies and Community College PracticesPaper by: Michelle Van Noy, James Jacobs, Suzanne Korey, Thomas Bailey & Katherine L. Hughes — 2008This report provides detailed findings on state policies and community college practice from CCRC's study of community college noncredit workforce education.View AbstractDual Enrollment Policies and Practices: Earning College Credit in California High SchoolsPaper by: Joanne Wang Golann & Katherine L. Hughes — 2008This report is intended to inform educators, policymakers, administrators and researchers
about current policies and practices that shape dual enrollment in California.View Abstract | Download the PDFTowards a Community College Research Agenda: Summary of The National Community College Symposium Paper by: Melinda Mechur Karp — 2008This paper contains a summary of The National Community College Symposium.View Abstract | Download the PDFA Typology of Community College-Based Partnership ActivitiesPaper by: Belkis Suazo deCastro & Melinda Mechur Karp — 2008The purpose of this paper is to present a typology of the various types of collaborations in
which colleges can engage in order to provide guidance for fiscal and regulatory policy
change.View Abstract | Download the PDFFrom Compliance to Capacity Building: Community Colleges and Federal Workforce Education PolicyPaper by: James Jacobs — 2008In this paper, we argue for a new paradigm, one that privileges capacity-building over compliance. View Abstract | Download the PDFShifting Gears: Community Colleges and Adult Basic EducationPaper by: James Jacobs & Pamela Tolbert-Bynum — 2008This paper explores some of the barriers adult basic education students face in obtaining
postsecondary credentials.View Abstract | Download the PDFMaking the Transition to Four-Year Institutions: Academic Preparation and Transfer (Working Paper No. 13)Paper by: Josipa Roksa & Juan Carlos Calcagno — 2008Based on analyses of unit record data of first-time community college students in the state of Florida, this paper examines the role of academic preparation in the transition from community colleges to four-year institutions.View Abstract | Download the PDFAn Exploration of Tinto’s Integration Framework for Community College Students (Working Paper No. 12)Paper by: Melinda Mechur Karp, Katherine L. Hughes & Lauren O'Gara — 2008This paper explores the applicability of Tinto's integration framework for understanding the ways that first-year community college students engage with their institutions.View Abstract | Download the PDFThe Impact of Postsecondary Remediation Using a Regression Discontinuity Approach: Addressing Endogenous Sorting and Noncompliance (An NCPR Working Paper)Paper by: Juan Carlos Calcagno & Bridget Terry Long — 2008This paper reports findings from a study that uses a detailed dataset and a regression discontinuity design to identify the causal effect of remediation on the educational outcomes of nearly 100,000 college students in Florida. View Abstract | Download the PDFWhat Is Known About the Impact of Financial Aid? Implications for Policy (An NCPR Working Paper)Paper by: Bridget Terry Long — 2008This paper serves as a discussion of the research literature on the effectiveness of financial aid with special attention to its implications for policy.View Abstract | Download the PDFConducting Research to Answer Your Questions about Dual Enrollment Paper by: Melinda Mechur Karp & Dong Wook Jeong — 2008This paper is intended to help decision-makers understand why research on dual enrollment is important and how policymakers can support research activities.View Abstract | Download the PDFBeyond Traditional College: The Role of Community
Colleges, Career and Technical Postsecondary Education in Preparing a Globally Competitive Work ForcePaper by: Thomas Bailey — 2008This essay describes the characteristics
of community college students and discuss the
role of the community college in increasing
access to higher education by traditionally
underserved students. View Abstract | Download the PDFATE Regional Centers: CCRC Final ReportPaper by: Monica Reid Kerrigan, James Jacobs, Analia Ivanier & Vanessa Smith Morest — 2008Based on fieldwork at eight sites, this report discusses the role that regional centers play in the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education program.View Abstract | Download the PDFAssessing and Improving Student Outcomes: What We Are Learning at Miami Dade CollegePaper by: Joanne Bashford & Doug Slater — 2008Told from the point of view of the Miami Dade College (MDC) Office of Institutional Effectiveness, this paper describes how MDC has begun to develop a systematic and data-informed method for assessing and improving student outcomes across its large, eight-campus college.View Abstract | Download the PDFThe Landscape of Noncredit Workforce Education: State Policies and Community College PracticesPaper by: Michelle Van Noy, James Jacobs, Suzanne Korey, Thomas Bailey & Katherine L. Hughes — 2008The final report discusses the many roles of community college noncredit workforce education, its place within the organization of community colleges, and the outcomes it provides for students and employers.View Abstract | Download the PDFDo Support Services at Community Colleges Encourage Success or Reproduce Disadvantage? (Working Paper No. 10)Paper by: Melinda Mechur Karp, Lauren O'Gara & Katherine L. Hughes — 2008Based on an exploratory study of students in two community colleges, this paper examines the ways that student support services in community colleges inadvertently perpetuate and legitimate disadvantage.View Abstract | Download the PDFPromising Practices for Community College Developmental EducationPaper by: Wendy Schwartz & Davis Jenkins — 2007This report, which was written for the
Connecticut Community College System, summarizes key findings on effective developmental education practice.View Abstract | Download the PDFThe Postsecondary Achievement of Participants in Dual
Enrollment: An Analysis of Student Outcomes in Two StatesPaper by: Melinda Mechur Karp, Juan Carlos Calcagno, Katherine L. Hughes, Dong Wook Jeong & Thomas Bailey — 2007An increasing number of career and technical education (CTE) programs are providing dual enrollment opportunities to their students. This report examines the impact of dual enrollment participation for students in the State of Florida and in New York City.View Abstract | Download the PDFWhen the Virtual Becomes Real: Student Learning in the Virtual Enterprises ProgramPaper by: Katherine L. Hughes & Joanne Wang Golann — 2007This report details a research study on the influence that the Virtual Enterprises International (VE) high school program has on students' career and college readiness.View AbstractRemediation in the Community College: An Evaluator's Perspective (Working Paper No. 9)Paper by: Henry Levin & Juan Carlos Calcagno — 2007This Working Paper provides a conceptual framework for the rigorous evaluation of remedial education interventions.View Abstract | Download the PDFBuilding a Culture of Evidence for Community College Student Success: Early Progress in the Achieving the Dream Initiative
Paper by: Thomas Brock, Davis Jenkins, Todd Ellwein, Jennifer Miller, Susan Gooden, Kasey Martin, Casey MacGregor & Michael Pih — 2007Achieving the Dream is a multiyear, national initiative, launched by Lumina Foundation for Education, to help community college students stay in school and succeed. This report describes the early progress that the first 27 colleges have made after one year of implementation.View AbstractInstitutional Research and the Culture of Evidence at Community CollegesPaper by: Vanessa Smith Morest & Davis Jenkins — 2007This first report in the Achieving the Dream Culture of Evidence Series presents findings from a CCRC study on how well prepared today's community colleges are in using their own data and research to improve student success.View Abstract | Download the PDFInstitutional Responses to State Merit Aid Programs:
The Case of Florida Community Colleges (Working Paper No. 8)
Paper by: Juan Carlos Calcagno & Mariana Alfonso — 2007This Working Paper is a full-length report of CCRC's study on how Florida community colleges responded to the introduction of a new merit-based financial aid program.
View Abstract | Download the PDFFifty States of Achieving the Dream: State Policies to Enhance Access to and Success in Community Colleges Across the United StatesPaper by: Kevin Dougherty & Monica Reid Kerrigan — 2007This report describes what policies all 50 states have in place with respect to key community college practices in three main areas: access, success, and performance accountability. View Abstract | Download the PDFLearning About the Role of College Student Through Dual Enrollment Participation (Working Paper No. 7)Paper by: Melinda Mechur Karp — 2007This paper explores whether dual enrollment serves as a location in which students learn about the role of college student.View Abstract | Download the PDFPromoting Academic Momentum at Community Colleges: Challenges and Opportunities (Working Paper No. 5)
Paper by: Sara Goldrick-Rab — 2007Policymakers and practitioners face significant challenges in their efforts to promote academic momentum among community college students. This literature review locates the sources of these challenges in both student characteristics as well as state and institutional practices and policies. It also examines empirical research to identify opportunities for improvement.View Abstract | Download the PDFAchieving the Dream in Ohio: State Policies Affecting Access to, and Success in, Community Colleges for Students of Color and Low-Income StudentsPaper by: Kevin Dougherty, James W. Marshall & Andrea Soonachan — 2006This report provides an audit of state policies in Ohio affecting access to, and success in, community colleges for students of color and low-income students. View Abstract | Download the PDFAchieving the Dream in Connecticut: State Policies Affecting Access to, and Success in, Community Colleges for Students of Color and Low-Income StudentsPaper by: Kevin Dougherty & Monica Reid Kerrigan — 2006This report provides an audit of state policies in Connecticut affecting access to, and success in, community colleges for students of color and low-income students. View Abstract | Download the PDFStepping Stones to a Degree: The Impact of Enrollment Pathways and Milestones on Community College Student Outcomes (Working Paper No. 4)Paper by: Juan Carlos Calcagno, Peter Crosta, Thomas Bailey & Davis Jenkins — 2006This Working Paper is a full-length version of CCRC's study on the experiences and educational outcomes of older and younger community college students. View Abstract | Download the PDFIs Student Success Labeled Institutional Failure?
Student Goals and Graduation Rates in the Accountability Debate at Community Colleges (Working Paper No. 1)Paper by: Thomas Bailey, Davis Jenkins & D. Timothy Leinbach — 2006This Working Paper explores the impact of students’ reasons for enrollment and educational expectations on their outcomes and, thus, on the performance of their college. View Abstract | Download the PDFWhat Can Student Right-to-Know Graduation Rates
Tell Us About Community College Performance? (Working Paper No. 6)
Paper by: Thomas Bailey, Peter Crosta & Davis Jenkins — 2006The Student Right-to-Know (SRK) graduation and transfer rates are the only easily available and reasonable consistent outcome measures for all community colleges. This working paper examines the validity of the SRK graduation rates as measures of community college performance. View Abstract | Download the PDFWhat Community College Management Practices Are Effective in Promoting Student Success? A Study of High- and Low-Impact InstitutionsPaper by: Davis Jenkins — 2006This study seeks to identify policies and practices of community colleges that are effective in enabling their students to succeed in postsecondary education.View Abstract | Download the PDFExecutive Summary of the Report, "What Community College Management Practices Are Effective in
Promoting Student Success?
A Study of High- and Low-Impact Institutions"Paper by: Davis Jenkins — 2006This is the executive summary of the longer report.View Abstract | Download the PDFAccess and Achievement of Hispanics and Hispanic Immigrants in the Colleges of the City University of New York Paper by: D. Timothy Leinbach — 2006The City University of New York (CUNY) has historically played a central role in the education of minority and immigrant New Yorkers. The largest minority and immigrant populations of students are Hispanic. The research described in this report uses student enrollment, credit accumulation, and outcome attainment data to assess the extent to which CUNY provides access to postsecondary educational opportunity and achievement for these students.View Abstract | Download the PDFState Policies to Achieve the Dream in Five States: An Audit of State Policies to Aid Student Access to and Success in Community Colleges in the First Five Achieving the Dream StatesPaper by: Kevin Dougherty, Monica Reid Kerrigan & H. Kenny Nienhusser — 2006CCRC Senior Research Associate Kevin Dougherty has been conducting a national audit of state policies that affect students’ access to and success in community college. The audit includes case studies of the first five Achieving the Dream states and a survey of all 50 states. The first set of reports on the first five Achieving the Dream states is now available.View Abstract | Download the PDFStrengthening Transitions by Encouraging Career Pathways: A Look at State Policies and PracticesPaper by: Katherine L. Hughes & Melinda Mechur Karp — 2006This report identifies ways in which state policies can support students’ academic and labor market success by creating coherent systems of preparation for students entering technical fields.View Abstract | Download the PDFImplications of Educational Inequality for the Future WorkforcePaper by: Thomas Bailey — 2005This paper discusses how economic, political, social, and demographic factors are changing in such a way that in the future, the traditional educational inequality in the United States is going to increasingly stand in the way of the ability to sustain productivity growth and to compete successfully in international markets.View Abstract | Download the PDFPathways to College Access and Success Paper by: Katherine L. Hughes, Melinda Mechur Karp, Baranda Fermin & Thomas Bailey — 2005In the past, credit-based transition programs enrolled primarily academically proficient and high-achieving students. Today, however, a growing number of policymakers, education reform groups, and researchers argue that middle- and even low-achieving high school students may benefit from participation in these programs. This report looks at five programs to understand how credit-based transition programs can help middle- and low-achieving students enter and succeed in college.View AbstractIs Student-Right-to-Know All You Should Know? An Analysis of Community College Graduation Rates (Working Paper No. 2)Paper by: Thomas Bailey, Juan Carlos Calcagno, Davis Jenkins, Gregory S. Kienzl & D. Timothy Leinbach — 2005Over the last decade, policymakers, educators, and researchers have increasingly sought to understand community college policies and practices that promote students’ success. This effort has been partly driven by an increased emphasis on outcome accountability, but it has also promoted a productive discussion about improving institutional performance. This Working Paper presents a research model that CCRC has developed to better understand the effects of institutional characteristics on student outcomes.View Abstract | Download the PDF |
