Date of Award

2012

Degree Name

Leadership Studies

College

College of Education

Type of Degree

Ed.D.

Document Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Dennis M. Anderson

Second Advisor

Jan Fox

Third Advisor

Mary Harris-John

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the educational experiences and outcomes of low-skill adults in West Virginia’s community and technical colleges, providing a more detailed profile of these students. Data for the variables were obtained from archival databases through a cooperative agreement between state agencies. Descriptive statistics were utilized to examine momentum point attainment, milestone achievement, persistence, and pre- and post-educational mean wages of first-time students age 25+ who enrolled in a West Virginia community and technical college over a five year period beginning with the 2004-2005 academic year. Chi-square tests for independence were used as well as frequencies and conditional probability analysis. Students were grouped by their initial enrollment, developmental or college-ready, and their academic goals, vocational or transfer. The most significant momentum point attainment that indicated successful achievement of any milestone was completion of a college-level math course. This was true for all groups. Completion of a college-level math course was also the best indicator of persistence.

Subject(s)

Community college students - West Virginia - Longitudinal studies.

Adults education - West Virginia.

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