Education Commons^™

The Basic Communication Course And College Student Retention: A Longitudinal Analysis, David E. Schneider, Jennifer D. Mccullough

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

This longitudinal study examined the relationship between two formats of the basic communication course (BCC) and first-year college student retention over a four-year period. Chi-square and logistic regression models indicated students who completed the BCC were more likely to be retained than those who did not complete the BCC. While completing the BCC was associated with retention for both formats, the hybrid BCC format was more consistently related to retention than the public speaking BCC. Students from certain demographic groups who completed the hybrid BCC were retained more frequently than students from the same demographic who did not complete the …

Characteristics Of Effective Postsecondary Advising: How Often To Meet And What To Focus On, Grace Pai, Melissa De Feo

Journal of College Access

Using data from a large-scale senior exit survey administered at public high schools in New York City, this study aims to parse out what quantitative and qualitative characteristics of postsecondary advising are most influential in predicting students’ likelihood to attend college. We apply a broader conceptual framework for postsecondary advisement that includes school-based college advising as well as parental advisement on college and career planning. Results from logistic regression analyses show receiving help in completing college applications, along with talking to a counselor and parents/guardians at least 3 times in their senior year, to be salient predictors of college-going.

Over The Rainbow: A Career Development Group For Lgbtq+ Teens, Anita A. Neuer Colburn, Isabella M. Herrera

Journal of College Access

LGBTQ+ teens’ career decision-making processes are confounded by LGBTQ+ identity development and negative experiences in school. The authors present literature identifying specific needs of LGBTQ+ teens involved in career planning and propose a specialized career group counseling model designed to address those needs. Potential application for counselors in schools and the community are discussed.

“I Was Going To Work Full-Time At Roses Department Store”: The Need For College Readiness With Black And Latinx Students, Dana Griffin, Nicole Birkenstock

Journal of College Access

This article provides a summary of the literature and research justifying the need for creating equitable college readiness practices in K‐12 schools, particularly for Black and Latinx students who are at risk for not receiving college readiness knowledge and skills. Written in a style to provide a bricolage of personal narratives, literature, and research around postsecondary readiness, the authors shift between first and third person to demonstrate that the entire postsecondary process in K‐12 schools is in dire need of an upheaval. From the dialectical exchange presented, the authors develop strategies for developing equity‐focused college readiness practices.

He Needs To Be In A Learning Community – Learning Community, A Place Of Respite And Brotherhood While Persisting In College, Ngozi Taffe

Journal of College Access

Black males encounter significant microaggressions and race related challenges as students in Predominantly White Institutions. These encounters negatively impact their college learning and social experiences. In the face of these challenges, college retention rate of Black males falls behind those of other racial and gender groups (Toldson, 2012). Notwithstanding, statistics point to the success and persistence of Black male students in such oppressive environments and the role of learning communities in fostering successful outcomes for students. Using the Community Cultural Wealth (Yosso, 2005) framework, this qualitative study explores the experiences of eight Black males living in a same race same …

Applying Critical Race Theory And Risk And Resilience Theory To The School-To-Prison Pipeline: Theoretical Frameworks For Social Workers, Christopher Thyberg, Christina Newhill

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Social workers are essential stakeholders in the mounting efforts to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline. This article presents a theoretical framework integrating Critical Race Theory and Risk and Resilience Theory as a tool for social workers and other school-based social service providers seeking to create meaningful change to school discipline policies. In this article, we apply the theories to expand the understanding of the school-to-prison pipeline and why it has persisted, compare and contrast each theory’s relative strengths and limitations, and conclude with implications for social workers, counselors, and social service providers at the practice, policy, and research levels.

A National Investigation On The Effect Of College Readiness Counseling On Postsecondary Outcomes, Dana L. Brookover, Kaprea Johnson

Journal of College Access

The current study utilized the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009, from the National Center for Education Statistics, to conduct a longitudinal investigation into how access to school counseling impacts postsecondary outcomes. Findings indicate that school counselor time spent college readiness counseling, in addition to lower student socioeconomic status and identifying as multiracial, were predictive of lesser odds of college attainment and persistence. The results of the current study offer practice, policy, and training implications.

College Access For Prospective First-Generation High School Students: Parent Perceptions, Christopher W. Brown Ed.D, Alison Reeves Associate Professor, Laurel Puchner Professor

Journal of College Access

This qualitative interview study examined how parents of potential college-going first-generation students in one high school perceive and experience their access to resources and knowledge that would allow them to support their adolescents’ successful entrance into postsecondary institutions. The study found that the parents believe that high schools will help their children with college but that they underutilize the resources available and lack important social capital needed to help their students succeed.

Undocumented Students’ Perceptions Of Institutional Support, Jennifer Alanis, Patty Witkowsky, Nicholas Tapia-Fuselier

Journal of College Access

This study employed phenomenological, case study inquiry to provide an in-depth exploration into eight undocumented students’ perceptions of campus supports to answer the research question: What are undocumented students’ perceptions of the type, nature, and effectiveness of institutional programs and support services that contribute to their persistence? Finding include undocumented students' perceptions of limited institutional support systems, impact of student organization involvement, and funding challenges. Implications for supporting retention and graduation of undocumented students are provided.

Advising Black Students And Anti-Oppressive Frameworks: A Systematic Review Of College Access And College Counseling Literature, Tenisha L. Tevis, Tiffany J. Davis, Stephanie R. Perez-Gill, Tori Amason

Journal of College Access

It is well known that Black students have higher expectations for attending college than their White and non-White peers, yet consistently lag behind in degree attainment. It is important then that practitioners use differentiated approaches with and researchers offer disaggregated analyses of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic minoritized populations in the college advising process. Doing so could reveal systemic barriers to achievement and advancement that are specific, in this instance, to Black students. Since the role and practice of college advising is (or at least should be) informed by the extant literature, then a systematic review is an ideal avenue for scholarly …

Moving From Racist To Antiracist Practices: Using Lewin’S Field Theory To Examine Career Help-Seeking Behaviors And Intentions Of Black First-Generation Students Attending Predominantly White Institutions, Jonique R. Childs, Jennifer Sánchez, William M. Liu

Journal of College Access

This study examined person and environment contextual factors associated with career decision-making difficulties among Black first-generation students (FGSs) attending predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Using Lewin’s field theory, we investigated the predictive value of person and environment factors on help-seeking behaviors for 63 Black FGS attending PWIs. We used a non-experimental correlational research design, along with hierarchical regression analysis, to investigate the predictability of contextual factors on previous career services use and intention to seek counseling for racist career barriers. Change/loss in advisor and lack of information were associated with previous career services use, whereas intention to seek counseling for racist …

Promoting Equitable College Access And Success: Exploring Critical Frameworks In School Counselor Training, Heidi Van Mastrigt, Joey Nuñez Estrada

Journal of College Access

This qualitative study employs a phenomenological research approach that examines the school counselor’s experiences and training. The purpose of this study is to explore if school counselors received training in critical race theory (CRT), culturally sustaining pedagogies (CSP), and social justice (SJ), and if they implement these theories in practice. Semi-structured interviews were used with eleven practicing school counselors. Thematic content analysis was used with a critical discourse lens to identify explicit and implicit themes within the data. The results indicate a lack of training in critical race theory (CRT), culturally sustaining pedagogies (CSP), and social justice. While some participants …

Black Male Collegiate Athletes’ Perceptions Of Their Career And Academic Preparation: A Mixed Methods Study, Jennifer R. Curry, Franklin A. Soares, Justin E. Maclin, Imre Csaszar

Journal of College Access

We employed a mixed methods approach with sequential explanatory design (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2017) and a Social Capital Theory framework (Bourdieu, 1977) to investigate three research questions: (1) In what ways were participants’ career and college readiness capital developed during high school? (2) How do participants view their academic and career growth and development prior to and after coming to college? (3) Who provided career and college development to participants in this study prior to their college entrance? Results revealed potential reasons why disparities existed between Black and White participants beginning in K-12 and continuing through college. Implications for …

School Principals’ And Counselors’ Focus On College-Going: The Impact Of School Leader Expectations And Primary Counseling Goals On Postsecondary Education, Jungnam Kim, Rachel Louise Geesa, Kaylee Mcdonald

Journal of College Access

The purpose of this study was to examine how school counselors’ and principals’ primary counseling goals and expectations impact postsecondary enrollment in order to learn what best helps students achieve their postsecondary goals. It was found that school counselors’ expectations of students were positively related to students’ postsecondary education decisions. Further, it was found that principals’ primary school counseling goals regarding preparing students for postsecondary education was significantly related to an increase in students’ decisions to receive this education. These findings support existing evidence that school counselors’ high expectations and principals’ primary goals are crucial in promoting college-going culture, which …

Introductory Pages, Christopher W. Tremblay, Laura Owen, Patrick O'Connor

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

Student Preferences For College And Career Information, Laura Owen, Timothy A. Poynton, Raeal Moore

Journal of College Access

This study examined the preferences of high school seniors (N = 2901) for receiving college and career information, an area not well-studied previously. Key findings are: Parents and peers are rated to be very helpful sources of college and career information; school counselors are a helpful source of information for first-generation and low-income students; and the internet is a helpful source of information, but email and one-on-one are more preferred sources of information. The findings of this study are useful for K-12 education, college access, and higher education professionals to consider when developing policies and programs to provide college and …

Review Of A New Report: How Is Technology Addressing The College Access Challenge? A Review Of The Landscape, Opportunities, And Gaps, Alexis M. Arocho

Journal of College Access

The purpose of this review is to examine and critique a new report on technology in regard to college access. The report itself builds upon a previous Get Schooled report from 2013, using updated information and newer programs and apps. The review summarizes the findings of the author, as well as the compilation of tools and their usefulness for students and families. Centered around the fact that many school districts in low-income areas do not have enough financial resources to fund high school counselor positions, the author suggests supplementing the counselor role with various apps and technology. Although this is …

Military Deployment In A Family: Children’S Literature As A Basis For Counseling Support, Aimee Tubbs, Ellie L. Young, Melissa A. Heath, Tina T. Dyches

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

The authors summarize 30 children’s books that tell stories of a family member’s military deployment in order to identify books that could be used in bibliotherapy for children impacted by deployment. In this sample of books, the main characters are most commonly portrayed as feeling sad about a family member’s deployment. The most prevalent coping strategies are finding ways to stay connected to the deployed person and talking with an adult. An unexpected finding was a coping strategy of expressing pride in the family member’s military service.

Preparing Students Experiencing Homelessness For College: Considerations For Counselors And Other Supportive Personnel, Stacey A. Havlik, Carrie Sanders, Emma Wilson

Journal of College Access

This article describes the unique college and career preparation challenges faced by students experiencing homelessness (SEH), framed using a Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) lens. The experience of homelessness presents barriers for secondary students, which can impact their college self-efficacy, outcome expectations of attending and succeeding in college, and goal setting towards college. In this conceptual paper, background on homelessness and research related to the college planning process of SEH is provided, as well as implications for school and career counselors, as well as other educators.

Reconsidering Policy Barriers For Justice-Involved College Students, Bradley D. Custer

Journal of College Access

Student affairs professionals are concerned about the access and success of diverse groups of students in U.S. higher education, but systematic barriers continue to confront one understudied population of college students. Justice-involved people–those who have experienced the criminal justice system–face unique challenges on our campuses but are often ignored in discussions of access, retention, and success. To raise awareness about the barriers these student face, this paper offers a descriptive examination of the federal, state, and institutional policies that target justice-involved college students, including policies related to admissions, financial aid, campus housing, student employment, student athletics, and others. Analysis suggests …

Journal Of Communication Pedagogy, Complete Volume, 2018

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

No abstract provided.

Introductory Pages, Laura Owen, Cheryl Holcomb-Mccoy

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

English Language Learners’ (Ells) Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (Stem) Course-Taking, Achievement And Attainment In College, Qi Shi

Journal of College Access

Using data from the Educational Longitudinal Study: 2002, the present study examined the effects of demographic variables, high school math course-taking and high school GPA on ELL students’ STEM course-taking, achievement and attainment in college. Regression analysis showed female ELL students were more likely to take more STEM courses and get higher GPAs in STEM, but less likely than males to earn a STEM college credential. Race was found to be a significant predictor of STEM GPA and attainment. The number of years taking trigonometry and pre-calculus in high school and high school GPA were predictive of the number of …

Complete Issue, Laura Owen, Cheryl Holcomb-Mccoy

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

School Counseling Intervention Research On College Readiness, College Access, And Postsecondary Success: A 10-Year Content Analysis Of Peer-Reviewed Research, George Mcmahon, Catherine Griffith, Melissa Mariani, Brett Zyromski

Journal of College Access

Recent demands from educators and policymakers require

school counselors to ensure that students are college and

career ready. In this 10‐year content analysis of peer reviewed

research, investigators sought to review and

describe the available intervention research designed to

improve post‐secondary success. Ten (n = 10) articles

published between 2007‐2016 met the inclusion criteria and

were coded across the dimensions of project leadership,

program goals, and research rigor. All ten intervention

studies identified were implemented in high school settings,

and five of the ten were large‐scale, multi‐modal

collaborative interventions. None of the articles were

published in counseling journals, and …

Career Decision-Making And College And Career Access Among Recent African Immigrant Students, Grace Wambu, Brian Hutchison, Zachary Pietrantoni

Journal of College Access

The number of African immigrant youth in American classrooms is on the rise. School counselors are uniquely positioned to help these students to be college and career ready. Using the Social Cognitive Career Theory framework, this article aims to address the unique career development needs, college and career access challenges faced by African immigrant students with an emphasis on high school students, and recommends strategic interventions for school counselors helping this population navigate career choice and determination. Implications for school counseling practice and research are also addressed.

Increasing College Access Through The Implementation Of Naviance: An Exploratory Study, David Christian, Amy Lawrence, Nicole Dampman

Journal of College Access

High school counselors play a key role in increasing students’ access to college. With increasing student-to-counselor-ratios as well as demands on their time, school counselors often lack the ability to provide adequate college counseling. In this article, we explored how school counselors can use educational technology, specifically the online program Naviance, to supplement college counseling in an effort to increase college access for all students. Results showing that students who logged in to Naviance more frequently had higher college application rates indicated that Naviance is an appropriate way for school counselors to promote college access.

The Relationship Between Perceived Career Barriers And Career Decision Self-Efficacy On Initial Career Choice Among Low-Income, First Generation, Pre-Freshman, College-Bound Students, Nicole Pulliam, Kara P. Ieva, Larry Burlew

Journal of College Access

This study was an investigation of the predictive value of perceived career barriers and career decision self-efficacy on the certainty of initial career choice among low-income pre-freshman college students, an under-studied college population with respect to career development (Winograd & Shick Tryon, 2009). The moderating effects of certain cultural characteristics (race, gender and college generational status) on the certainty of initial career choice were also examined. A non-experimental correlational research design was utilized, along with a multiple linear regression analysis, to investigate the predictability of perceived career barriers and career decision self-efficacy, directly and as moderated by the cultural characteristics …

The Effects Of Purpose Orientations On Recent High School Graduates’ College Application Decisions, Gitima Sharma, Jungnam Kim, Julia Bryan

Journal of College Access

Using the 2002 Educational Longitudinal Study database, the authors examined the different types of purpose orientations amongst a nationally representative sample of adolescents and the effect of these purpose orientations on high school graduates’ college application decisions. Results indicated four types of purpose orientations: career, interpersonal, altruistic, and self-oriented purpose orientations. Only career purpose orientation was positively related to high school graduates decision to apply for college. Implications for school counseling and research are discussed.

Increasing College Opportunity: School Counselors And Fafsa Completion, Laura Owen, Erik Westlund

Journal of College Access

Closing postsecondary opportunity gaps has become a national, state and local educational priority. To help eliminate these gaps, the US Department of Education initiated a project that provided real time student level Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion status to large urban school districts. Leveraging this information, school counselors identified and supported students and families as they navigated the financial aid process, resulting in statistically significant impacts on FAFSA completion and college attendance.