ERIC Number: ED250026
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1984-Feb-16
Pages: 12
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Evaluation of Napa Valley College's Student Orientation, Assessment, Advisement and Retention Program.
Friedlander, Jack
In fall 1983, Napa Valley College fully implemented its Student Orientation, Assessment, Advisement, and Retention (SOAAR) program, which consisted of assessment of first-time students' math and reading skills, advisement about enrolling in regular or developmental courses based on scores, course advisement, and the provision of information on college services, policies, and procedures. In fall 1983, 866 students participated in the SOAAR program. An analysis of student course transcripts, test scores, and survey responses indicated that, in comparison with students enrolled in comparable courses before the implementation of the SOAAR program, SOAAR students were less likely to: (1) complete their developmental courses in English and mathematics; (2) finish their introductory-level courses; and (3) earn a grade of C or higher in their developmental or regular classes. Although a number of factors might have contributed to the decline in student performance from fall 1982 to fall 1983, it was concluded that participation in the SOAAR program did not have a positive affect on student performance or persistence in their English and math classes. It was also concluded that test scores were not accurate predictors of student success and that SOAAR did not seem to increase student use of support services. Based on study findings, it was recommended that a number of modifications should be made to improve the effectiveness of the SOAAR program. (LAL)
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Napa Valley Coll., Napa, CA.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A