Font Size: a A A

A study of the impact of a first-year experience initiative on first-year developmental education student success and persistence

Posted on:2013-10-02Degree:Ph.DType:Dissertation
University:Capella UniversityCandidate:Spencer, Kristin MFull Text:PDF
GTID:1457390008969079Subject:Education
Abstract/Summary:
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the impact of the Achieving the Dream initiative on first-year student success and persistence at a comprehensive community college located in Michigan. Retention and success rates of students involved in the program were analyzed to determine the statistical impact of the program on student persistence and success. Interviews were also conducted to support the quantitative data and provide a more in-depth look into the impact of this program on first-year developmental education student persistence and success. Furthermore, this study provides suggestions for areas of further study in order to gain more knowledge regarding the impact of Achieving the Dream program on first-year developmental education student persistence and success. Student persistence and success have for many years been at the forefront of concerns of higher education institutions. In an effort to decrease attrition and unfavorable success of students during the first year in College, many institutions have implemented a first-year seminar or first-year experience program. Programs such as this are widely found in four-year institutions, but are now finding a place in two-year institutions as well. The Lumina Foundation created a first-year experience initiative, termed Achieving the Dream, which provides community Colleges with an opportunity to incorporate various student persistence and success initiatives into the first-year curriculum.
Keywords/Search Tags:First-year, Student, Success, Persistence, Initiative, Impact, Community college, Achieving the dream
Related items