http://www.quickanded.com/2009/11/crossing-the-finish-line-college-dropouts.html The Quick and the Ed is an education blog published by Education Sector, an independent think tank in Washington D.C. The Quick and the Ed offers in-depth analysis on the latest in education policy and research. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:16:55 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.1 hourly 1 http://www.quickanded.com/2009/11/crossing-the-finish-line-college-dropouts.html/comment-page-1#comment-2325 Chad Aldeman Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:23:13 +0000 http://www.quickanded.com/?p=8359#comment-2325 Tim, that's a very good question that has only rather unsatisfying answers. If I were an administrator, I'd start with what we know--that student engagement and academic rigor both lead to increased retention and graduation, that little things and personal contact matter a great deal--and work from there. These are just my own personal guesses, but I'd think about more ways to keep students on track towards graduation, more ways to get them involved in campus life, more opportunities to interact with professors, and reducing any barriers to completion (like having to APPLY for a degree). I've seen initial studies suggesting problem-solving call centers and financial aid for unexpected crises help with retention as well. Tim, that’s a very good question that has only rather unsatisfying answers. If I were an administrator, I’d start with what we know–that student engagement and academic rigor both lead to increased retention and graduation, that little things and personal contact matter a great deal–and work from there. These are just my own personal guesses, but I’d think about more ways to keep students on track towards graduation, more ways to get them involved in campus life, more opportunities to interact with professors, and reducing any barriers to completion (like having to APPLY for a degree). I’ve seen initial studies suggesting problem-solving call centers and financial aid for unexpected crises help with retention as well.

]]> http://www.quickanded.com/2009/11/crossing-the-finish-line-college-dropouts.html/comment-page-1#comment-2319 Tim Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:21:04 +0000 http://www.quickanded.com/?p=8359#comment-2319 What do you think we should do to increase retention past year two? Are there any possible solutions you know of? What do you think we should do to increase retention past year two? Are there any possible solutions you know of?

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