An Analysis of the 10-Year Trends of Student Learning Outcomes at Community Colleges

• In Event: Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Factors Associated With College Student Learning Outcomes

Abstract

Community colleges enroll approximately 44% of United States undergraduate students, with this number rapidly expanding. It is of critical importance to obtain direct evidence of student learning to ensure students receive adequate training at community colleges. This study investigated 10-year trends of community college students’ performance in critical thinking, reading, writing, and mathematics. Results showed a slight decline in performance on total score, and increased performance on critical thinking. An increasing gender gap favoring males was observed in mathematics. Although Hispanic students showed some improvement, there was still a substantial performance gap between White students and ethnic minority students. Similar disadvantages were observed for language minority students. Findings from this study provide significant implications for community college leaders and policymakers.

Authors

• Katrina Crotts Roohr, Educational Testing Service

• Ou Lydia Liu, ETS