A Matter of Time: Do Compressed-Length Courses Improve Community College Student Success?

• In Event: Student Success at Community College

Abstract

This study examined course outcomes for students at a Texas community college system who took college-level gatekeeper math and English courses in a compressed format (12-weeks), compared to the regular term (16-weeks). After matching similar students using propensity score matching techniques, results indicated the compressed course format was negatively associated with students’ final course grade and pass rate (earning an A, B, or C). However, students’ cumulative college GPA and credits earned prior to attempting those gatekeeper courses had a particularly strong influence on course outcomes. Compressed length gatekeeper courses may not be a silver bullet solution for improving community college student success – but this delivery format may accelerate progress among students with stronger academic records.

Authors

• Lyle McKinney, University of Houston

• Hongwei Yu, Texas State University

• Dina Ghazzawi, University of Houston

• Victoria Doan, University of Houston