Pathways to college readiness: the effects of pre-college and developmental programs on students

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of these academic programs and college readiness of student participants in pre-college/college developmental programs. Two education programs were assessed. Mixed method design was implemented and triangulation was used as there was a convergence of results from both quantitative and qualitative research methods. A longitudinal sample of 1,400 participants who entered a college developmental program over a ten-year period was analyzed. A series of statistical analyses were conducted from the sample. Logistic regression models were created to predict persistence and degree attainment of participants. In addition, interviews and classroom observations were also conducted for further analysis. The data revealed that African American students (male and female) were predominant participants in both program A and B compared to other race and ethnic groups in the programs. Program B students showed positive graduation rate outcomes as first-time, college degree-seeking students overtime when compared to the U.S. average graduation rate of traditional first-time bachelor degree-seeking students. The combination of logistic regression results and the qualitative data collected and analyzed showed program B students were more likely to earn a college degree in five years and beyond.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Renée R. Hanso