College Completion

Story on how Norwalk Community College in Connecticut will pilot AACC Voluntary System of Accountability

Includes fact sheets detailing the current status of college completion among Latinos in each state. Each fact sheet includes state-level data on the population, representation among K-12 students, educational attainment of adults, multiple measures of equity gaps in degree attainment, and examples of promising practices for improving Latino college completion. (Excelencia in Education, April 2012)

Governor Dannel P. Malloy outlined a plan to merge Connecticut's two largest higher education systems - the state university system and the community colleges - and the state's online college under a single governing board, a proposal that he says will save millions. He also is recommending that state funding to these institutions be based on graduation rates and other outcomes. (Connecticut Mirror, 02/09/11) See Governor's Plan http://www.governor.ct.gov/malloy/cwp/view.asp?Q=473664&A=4010

New strategic direction for Virginia Community College System

Finds that students who enrolled in a student success course in the first semester were more likely to earn college-level credits and were more likely to persist to the second year. Also finds that students referred to remedial education were more likely to earn college-level credits if they enrolled in a student success course in their first term. (Community College Research Center, February 2012)

Article discusses role education technology companies are playing in providing "adaptive" developmental courses. (Inside Higher Ed, 03/10/11)

Article mentions a task force's recommendations that cover P-20 issues and include mandating a high school diploma or equivalency for everyone under age 21. The recommendations aim to better prepare students for success in college or careers. A final report is due to the legislature by April 1. (Anchorage Daily News, 03/10/11)

Measures progress toward Lumina Foundation's goal to increase the percentage of Americans with high-quality degrees and credentials to 60% by the year 2025. Includes completion rates for individual states and for the 100 largest metropolitan areas. Suggests steps to reach the 2025 goal. (Lumina Foundation for Education, March 2012)

Examines issues related to and makes recommendations to increase degree and credential attainment by Virginia's working-age adults (age 25-64), and to tailor programs to more effectively serve these non-traditional students. (State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, April 2012). Also see Report Summary. http://www.schev.edu/Reportstats/ALBookletFinal.pdf?from

Study details ways that private institutions can relieve some of the enrollment burden on California's public, postsecondary education systems. Eight recommendations challenge state legislators to initiate targeted incentive funding for high demand majors, increasing enrollment and participating in articulation agreements.

Describes a new effort by UMass - Amherst to recruit community college graduates to the state university's flagship campus. Starting this fall, UMass will offer students who transfer from community colleges with a minimum 2.5 grade-point average priority course registration and housing, scholarships to cover hefty student fees, and special advising services. (Boston Globe, 03/22/11)

Michigan education board approved recommendations to improve education results, including graduating high school students ready for college without the need for remediation, and graduating college students with the necessary skills for successful careers. Recommendations also mention need to increase number of residents with postsecondary credential or degree. (Michigan Board of Education, February 2011)

Urges policymakers to focus the mission of community colleges in three core areas: basic skills education, career technical education and preparation for transfer to four-year universities. The Commission called for shifting adult basic education from the state education department to the community college system, and for giving more authority to the chancellor to oversee the campuses. (Little Hoover Commission, February 2012) Link to executive summary: http://www.lhc.ca.gov/studies/210/Executive%20Summary.pdf

Describes the Tennessee Technology Centers - a statewide system of 27 institutions providing a wide range of rigorous, one to two year, technical/occupational education programs at consistently high completion and placement rates in high skill and relatively high wage employment.

Story on push in West Virginia to increase college completion

The paper finds that excess credits accounted for about 12% of all college-level credits earned by students who completed a degree, with substantial variation in different programs. Discusses possible reasons contributing to excess credits and offers ways to assess the extent and nature of excess credits for their students. (Community College Research Center, April 2012)

Provides a primer on competency-based education in postsecondary education; introduces four elements of disruptive innovation theory and how they could apply to education initiatives; and offers recommendations for policymakers on how to facilitate disruptive innovation to transform higher education. (Center for American Progress, June 2012)

A proposal would cut off access to California community college students who linger too long. A state legislative report recommended giving first-time students a higher priority for class registration, capping the number of taxpayer-subsidized units that students can take and limiting the number of times students can repeat certain courses on the state's dime - moves that could save an estimated $235 million. (California Watch, 01/24/11)

College Board session on college completion in Maryland

Kentucky's Learn on Demand program reaches out to working adults with competency-based, self-paced online courses. (Inside Higher Ed 08/06/12)