Elisabeth Barnett

In this  mixed-methods project, researchers will describe the support networks and help-seeking preferences and behaviors of first-generation students at four public colleges in California, and explore relations between these preferences and behaviors and key postsecondary outcomes. By combining a qualitative analysis of students' social networks with a quantitative analysis of administrative data, the research team will generate insights that colleges may use to strengthen existing service...

During the past 40 years, the United States has made major advances in expanding access to postsecondary education, but many students arrive at college without the requisite English and math skills to perform college-level work. Community colleges and other open-access institutions have traditionally responded by placing such students into sequential developmental (or remedial) education courses with outdated curricula and instructional practices. Unfortunately, research indicates that stude...

The National Center for Postsecondary Research (NCPR) focuses on measuring the effectiveness of programs designed to help students make the transition to college and master the basic skills needed to advance to a degree. NCPR is currently pursuing research in dual enrollment; postsecondary remediation, including learning communities; and financial aid. Established through a five-year grant from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) of the U.S. Department of Education, NCPR is housed at t...