Free Daily Headlines :

  • COVID-19
  • Vaccine Info
  • Money
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Justice
  • More
    • Environment
    • Economic Development
    • Gaming
    • Investigations
    • Social Services
    • TRANSPORTATION
  • Opinion
    • CT Viewpoints
    • CT Artpoints
DONATE
Reflecting Connecticut’s Reality.
    COVID-19
    Vaccine Info
    Money
    Politics
    Education
    Health
    Justice
    More
    Environment
    Economic Development
    Gaming
    Investigations
    Social Services
    TRANSPORTATION
    Opinion
    CT Viewpoints
    CT Artpoints

LET�S GET SOCIAL

Show your love for great stories and out standing journalism
CT VIEWPOINTS -- opinions from around Connecticut

Understanding CT’s community college graduation rates

The current method is not appropriate or fair

  • CT Viewpoints
  • by Estela Lopez
  • November 7, 2019
  • View as "Clean Read" "Exit Clean Read"

The proposed consolidation of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges began as a strategy to save money, but recently, the proponents are trying to justify their plan using the excuse of reportedly low graduation and completion rates.   Although the improvement of these indicators will always be a worthy and necessary goal, it is also essential to expose that the current method for reporting graduation and completion rates at community colleges is not appropriate or even fair.

Estela Lopez

Graduation rates were defined for traditional colleges and universities that accept students in fall and are expected to graduate them in four, or no more than six consecutive years.  Many of these students live in dorms and follow a linear trajectory in their college experience. However, as Patricia McGuire president of Trinity Washington University recently wrote: “Many of the data sets are premised on an increasingly outmoded model of collegiate attendance formed in the days when the majority of college students were full-time, residential 18- to-22-year-olds with parents paying their bills.”

Community Colleges have a different mission.  They are open enrollment institutions that accept students in both fall and spring, yet those students who enter in spring are not counted as part of the graduation rate methodology.  When the economy is good, community college students take advantage of the availability of jobs and tend to attend classes part time, but once again, part time students are not counted in the graduation rates. Most community college students do not attend in a linear way. Instead, their pattern of attendance is referred to as “swirling” because they tend to move from full time status to part time and attend two or more institutions.

For many students, community colleges are transfer institutions.  These students enter with the goal of completing the first two years or less of bachelor degree requirements before transferring to a university that grants such degrees.  Data show that a majority of students who transfer to a university from Connecticut community colleges do so without completing an associate degree.  Although these students are successful, they are not counted in the graduation rates and are therefore defined as failures for the college where they originally enrolled.

“The Student Achievement Measure (SAM) is an improved way to report undergraduate student progress and completion by including a greater proportion of students as well as tracking students who enroll in multiple higher education institutions.” (From 2013 Student Achievement Measure). Using this methodology to track student movement provides a very different picture of what happens at Connecticut community colleges and demonstrates that instead of failure there is much to celebrate.

The table below provides compelling data using SAM that show success:

All students starting fall 2012*

Graduated Still Enrolled Transfer Status Unknown Total Graduates and Transfers
Capital CC:
18%
6% 38% 38% 56%
Manchester CC:
23%
6% 34% 37% 57%
Naugatuck Valley CC:
23%
7% 29% 41% 52%
Norwalk CC:
21%
10% 33% 36% 54%

*SAM data provided by the CT State Colleges and Universities System

For all the above community colleges, both the number of graduates and transfer students total above 50%. The table also indicates that 6% to 10% of the students are still enrolled.  These numbers certainly do not represent failure, but a demonstration that the community colleges are fulfilling their mission of access and transfer. Those of status unknown may be working or enlisted in the armed forces.  Many of them will probably return later as adult learners.

It is also important to remember that the student population in all the above colleges is diverse with a significant proportion of students of color.  Three of these colleges, Capital, Naugatuck Valley and Norwalk are Hispanic Serving Institutions which means than more than 25% of their student body is Hispanic. Two of the colleges, Capital and Naugatuck Valley have also been recognized at the national level for their success in educating adult students.

In addition to the right methodology of measuring outcomes for institutions that promote multiple forms of attendance, it is important to consider evidence based research practices that impact persistence and completion and, thus, graduation rates.

Research on persistence and student success indicates a number of critical constructs that influence student performance.  These are academic advising, social connectedness, student involvement, faculty and staff approachability, learning experiences, and student support services. Vincent Tinto, a renowned retention scholar, has demonstrated the critical role classroom practices play in improving retention among all students. All these practices are campus based and not connected or dependent on a statewide college consolidation model. These practices need to be supported through resources at the campus so faculty and staff can promote effective student engagement.

For students of color, research also shows the importance of having faculty of color in the classroom, where they can serve as role models. Peer interactions and mentoring have been proven successful strategies to retain male students.

The proposed consolidation does not address the hiring of additional faculty to lessen dependence on adjuncts or the increase of faculty of color. It does not address increasing resources at the campus level to strengthen both the classroom and support areas.  It does not address increasing work study funding so students can work at the campus instead of an outside job that will distract them from their studies.

Research has identified what make a difference in retaining and graduating students.  It has nothing to do with an administrative structure that is centralized.  It does have to do with a campus setting that provides the appropriate learning environment and adequate support services.  That is what will enable the fulfillment of the mission of community colleges; that is what will ensure student success and higher graduation rates.

Estela Lopez of East Hartford is vice-chairman of the State Board of Education.

CTViewpoints welcomes rebuttal or opposing views to this and all its commentaries. Read our guidelines and submit your commentary here.

Sign up for CT Mirror's free daily news summary.

Free to Read. Not Free to Produce.

The Connecticut Mirror is a nonprofit newsroom. 90% of our revenue comes from people like you. If you value our reporting please consider making a donation. You'll enjoy reading CT Mirror even more knowing you helped make it happen.

YES, I'LL DONATE TODAY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SEE WHAT READERS SAID

RELATED STORIES
Connecticut should work to reduce rates of inmate calling services 
by David Lamendola

Many telecommunications issues are really complicated and only interesting to a handful of policy-oriented folks. But once in a while an issue arises that has easily understandable implications for all of society. High rates for inmate calling services (ICS) is one of these issues. The way it usually works is that an incarcerated person make collect calls from detention facilities, and their family pays the bill. Unfortunately, some providers charge extremely high rates for these calls – a 15 minute phone call to a loved one costs an incarcerated person $5 in Connecticut.

The public health bill no one is talking about, but should be
by Brian Festa

On February 16,  the legislature's Public Health Committee conducted a public hearing on two bills, S.B. 568 and H.B. 6423, both of which would eliminate the religious exemption to mandatory vaccinations for Connecticut schoolchildren.  The hearing was capped at 24 hours, depriving nearly 1,500 members of the public who had registered for the hearing their opportunity to be heard.  The vast majority of those who did testify, and who submitted written testimony, opposed the bill.  The committee is expected to vote on the bill as early as  today. 

Students need more resources, fewer officers
by Tenille Bonilla

"School resource officer" is just a nice way to say cop. But what students really need is more resource and less officer.

The Board of Regents’ changes must not shortchange its students or faculty
by Carrie Andreoletti, PhD

As a university professor and a lifespan developmental psychologist, I tend to approach my work from a developmental perspective. This means I aim to foster a lifelong love of learning and to help others find a sense of meaning and purpose, as well as confidence in their ability to reach their goals. My approach to higher education is shaped by my desire to provide the best possible education for my students. This is why the recent Board of Regents’ proposed changes at the four state universities have me worried.

How to close schooling opportunity gaps created by the pandemic
by Carol Gale

We ask school district leaders to trust your public servants whose daily work life involves assessing student needs and planning or modifying instruction to meet those needs. Listen to their voices, as we have, and allocate precious resources on interventions that will offer increased opportunities for Hartford students to succeed.

Support Our Work

Show your love for great stories and outstanding journalism.

$
Select One
  • Monthly
  • Yearly
  • Once
Artpoint painter
CT ViewpointsCT Artpoints
Opinion The public health bill no one is talking about, but should be
by Brian Festa

On February 16,  the legislature's Public Health Committee conducted a public hearing on two bills, S.B. 568 and H.B. 6423, both of which would eliminate the religious exemption to mandatory vaccinations for Connecticut schoolchildren.  The hearing was capped at 24 hours, depriving nearly 1,500 members of the public who had registered for the hearing their opportunity to be heard.  The vast majority of those who did testify, and who submitted written testimony, opposed the bill.  The committee is expected to vote on the bill as early as  today. 

Opinion Students need more resources, fewer officers
by Tenille Bonilla

"School resource officer" is just a nice way to say cop. But what students really need is more resource and less officer.

Opinion The Board of Regents’ changes must not shortchange its students or faculty
by Carrie Andreoletti, PhD

As a university professor and a lifespan developmental psychologist, I tend to approach my work from a developmental perspective. This means I aim to foster a lifelong love of learning and to help others find a sense of meaning and purpose, as well as confidence in their ability to reach their goals. My approach to higher education is shaped by my desire to provide the best possible education for my students. This is why the recent Board of Regents’ proposed changes at the four state universities have me worried.

Opinion How to close schooling opportunity gaps created by the pandemic
by Carol Gale

We ask school district leaders to trust your public servants whose daily work life involves assessing student needs and planning or modifying instruction to meet those needs. Listen to their voices, as we have, and allocate precious resources on interventions that will offer increased opportunities for Hartford students to succeed.

Artwork Grand guidance
by Anne:Gogh

In a world of systemic oppression aimed towards those of darker skintones – representation matters. We are more than our equity elusive environments, more than numbers in a prison and much more than victims of societal dispositions. This piece depicts a melanated young man draped in a cape ascending high above multiple forms of oppression. […]

Artwork Shea
by Anthony Valentine

Shea is a story about race and social inequalities that plague America. It is a narrative that prompts the question, “Do you know what it’s like to wake up in new skin?”

Artwork The Declaration of Human Rights
by Andres Chaparro

Through my artwork I strive to create an example of ideas that reflect my desire to raise social consciousness, and cultural awareness. Jazz music is the catalyst to all my work, and plays a major influence in each piece of work.”

Artwork ‘A thing of beauty. Destroy it forever’
by Richard DiCarlo | Derby

During times like these it’s often fun to revisit something familiar and approach things with a different slant. I have been taking some Pop culture and Art masterpieces and applying the vintage 1960’s and 70’s classic figures (Fisher Price, little people) to the make an amusing pieces. Here is my homage to Fisher -Price, Yellow […]

Twitter Feed
A Twitter List by CTMirror

Engage

  • Reflections Tickets & Sponsorships
  • Events
  • Donate
  • Newsletter Sign-Up
  • Submit to Viewpoints
  • Submit to ArtPoints
  • Economic Indicator Dashboard
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Commenting Guidelines
  • Legal Notices
  • Contact Us

About

  • About CT Mirror
  • Announcements
  • Board
  • Staff
  • Sponsors and Funders
  • Donors
  • Friends of CT Mirror
  • History
  • Financial
  • Policies
  • Strategic Plan

Opportunity

  • Advertising and Sponsorship
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Use of Photography
  • Work for Us

Go Deeper

  • Steady Habits Podcast
  • Economic Indicator Dashboard
  • Five Things

The Connecticut News Project, Inc. 1049 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105. Phone: 860-218-6380

© Copyright 2021, The Connecticut News Project. All Rights Reserved. Website by Web Publisher PRO