Examining the perceived academic and social development of six early entrant home-schooled students in a Connecticut community college: A practical action research study

This practical action study examined the perceived academic and social experience of home-schooled young adolescent students taking classes at a local community college. A purposeful sample of six students, along with their parents, instructors, and admissions officers were interviewed to gain a deeper understanding of how well these early entrance home-schoolers were perceived to fare academically and socially in a community college environment designed for traditionally aged and adult students. Data collection included individual interviews with each participant and a review of the students' coursework and transcripts.; Because the number of children who are being home-schooled through their teen years is increasing, there are more students, aged 10 through 16, seeking admission to local community colleges as an alternative to their home-school curriculum. These young students represent a wide range of academic ability; but with the open admission policy of the most community colleges, they can take the college placement test and be enrolled as nonmatriculated college students.; The findings showed that the parents and students were pleased with their decision to enroll in community college. Both perceived development in the students' academic competence and emotional maturity, as well as in their development as autonomous and self-reliant college students. Faculty reported that the lack of life experience in younger students was demonstrated in their inability to include personal reflection in class participation and writing. There was little development noted by any of the respondents in the areas of students' physical or interpersonal competence, chiefly because there are few opportunities at the community college for this type of development. This represents a deficit in the college's support of this population.; Recommendations for better integrating this population in the community college include the creation of opportunities for young students to engage in both physical and social activities on the campus, faculty training and support, homogenization of the advisement process and policies, and marketing of college offerings to the home-school community.