A Multilevel Evaluation of an Academic Support Program for College Students With Learning Differences

• In Event: Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Research in Postsecondary Settings

Abstract

To provide access to higher education and foster academic success for students with learning differences, the College STAR (Supporting Transition, Access, and Retention) project was designed and implemented at a public research university in the southeastern United States. The College STAR program includes both a student support component (Component A) and an instructional support component (Component B). We designed and conducted a comprehensive evaluation at three levels to assess the program’s implementation and impacts: student level, instructional level, and institution level. This proposal provides an overview of the evaluation design and evaluation findings. In particular, unique challenges arise from evaluating such a program with complex structure are discussed, and effective strategies are introduced.

Authors

• Guili Zhang, East Carolina University

• Sarah Carver Williams, East Carolina University

• Diane Majewski