It's Time to Complete Community College

Earning a college degree improves health and economic wellbeing. Thus, American taxpayers subsidize a majority of the cost of public colleges. At least half of all college students in the U.S. today attend two-year colleges; yet, fewer than half of these students achieve their educational goals. This book, written by an experienced community college teacher summarizes specific evidence-based methods to improve student learning and completion. This book summarizes:·student characteristics including socio-economic status, academic background, work/family commitments;·instructional methods of work-pace, grading procedures, student practice opportunities, and feedback to students;·institutional policies such as course scheduling, teaching loads, teacher training, availability of student services, commitment of administrators to using assessment to improve student learning outcomes.If you are a college student/parent of a college student, college teacher/administrator, or concerned taxpayer; you are invited to read this book and join this discussion. It is unlikely that college completion rates will significantly improve without informed communities demanding institutional action.

“Chandler’s book is a unique contribution to student learning and persistence because of its focus on two-year community colleges whose mission, faculty, and course formats are typically more diverse than other institutions. She provides unique and specific ways in which these institutions may change to enhance student success.” —M. Lee Upcraft Ph.D., professor emeritus of higher education and assistant vice president emeritus for student affairs, Penn State University

Dr. S. deboef earned graduate degrees in Educational Psychology and Sociology and teaches Psychology and Sociology courses at a two-year college. She conducts research to develop strategies to enhance student learning outcomes because she believes that student success is critical for family and community well-being.