Each year the RP
Group recognizes outstanding research and planning efforts.
The following awards were
presented at the 38th Annual RP Group Conference.
April, 2000
Category One
Institutional Research
Award for
Excellence
William B. Armstrong
San Diego Community
College District
Explaining
Community College Outcomes by Analyzing Student Data and Instructor Effects
Project Summary: This study examined the predictive validity of placement test scores with respect to course grade and retention in English and mathematics classes for first-time students from three large-sized community colleges. The investigation produced a model to explain variance in course outcomes using test score, student background data, and instructor differences.
Award of
Distinction
Christopher Myers, Larry Imwalle, Daniel
Chodos,
Stephanie Betancourt and Sharon Perez
Hartnell College
1998 Central Salinas Valley Educational Needs Assessment Survey
Project Summary: This report discusses the results of an educational needs assessment conducted in three Salinas Valley cities. The purpose of the study was to determine the types of postsecondary education and training needed by the residents and employers of these communities, and how Hartnell College can meet these needs.
Award of
Distinction
W. Charles Wiseley
Chancellor's Office of
the California Community Colleges
AFDC Students in
the California Community Colleges, 1992-93
Project Summary: This study investigated whether vocational education of short duration in California Community Colleges was a vehicle for economic mobility for female welfare recipients of the early 1990s. Data from the CA Community Colleges Management Information System, the CA Department of Social Services, and CA Employment Development Division was used to determine whether long term economic benefits were available to graduates of vocational education programs of differing lengths in the CCC.
Award of
Distinction
Cindy Torgison, Michelle Barton and Robert B. Barr
Palomar College
The Effects of
Counseling 110 College Success Skills on Student Success
Project Summary: This study examined the impact of a course designed to teach skills necessary to be a successful student, such as time management, study skills, and self-discipline, upon students' grades, persistence in college, course completion rates, and degree completion rates. Three treatment cohorts were identified depending on whether the course was taken in the student's first, second, or third semester of college and compared to rigorously identified corresponding control cohorts. Success indicators for before and after and with and without the course were compared.
Category Two
Institutional Planning
Award of
Distinction
Kathleen Budros, Jon Kangas, and Joyce Yoshioka
San Jose/Evergreen Community College District
External and
Internal Trends Workbook for Governing Board Planning Retreat and District Planning
Activities
Project Summary: Each summer the Governing Board schedules a retreat to set priorities and directions for the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District for the coming academic year. The Trends Workbook presents approximately 100 pages of Strategic Planning Trends Newsletters and District Research Reports to the Board. The theme of the workbook is "External and Internal Environmental Scans" which focus on key educational and societal issues affecting District planning and policymaking. The External Scan is subdivided into National, State, and Local information. The Internal Scan contains District-related trends, demographics, performance data and follow-up data for District students. All are offered to aid the Board's discussion of which internal and external trends are likely to have the most impact on the District in the coming year.
Award of
Distinction
Diane Sunday
Yosemite Community College
District
Painless
Comprehensive/Strategic Planning
Project Summary: This project illustrates how utilizing personal computers, software, electronic forms and databases can provide planning units with one-stop access and retrieval to their data. By capturing and storing planning objectives into databases, an office can sort, and/or query and merge data for numerous reporting needs, e.g., strategic planning, accreditation, grant renewals, Board reports and student success initiatives--hence "painlessly" eliminating duplicative clerical processes.
Category Three
Technical Applications
Award for
Excellence
Patrick Perry
Chancellor's Office of the
California Community Colleges
The Expanded
Student Right-To-Know Dataset
Project Summary: Originally designed to meet the needs of the Federally-mandated IPEDS-GRS, the Student Right-To-Know Dataset evolved into a statewide cohort tracking of first-time freshmen and their outcomes, including tracking of transfers nationally.
Award of
Distinction
Chris Olson
Mission College
PARIS
"Vital Stats" -- An Oracle-Based Decision & Planning Support System
Project Summary: Vital Stats is a decision support system that runs against an Oracle-based data warehouse via West Valley - Mission CC District's secured intranet (PARIS). A comprehensive collection of customizable, generated-on-demand reports and tracking capabilities, Vital Stats provides support for program, departmental, and institutional planning and decision-making, emphasizing institutional effectiveness measures. This use of technology is applicable for significantly extending Datatel's (and others) reporting capabilities.
Award of
Distinction
Diane Sunday
Yosemite Community College
District
Painless
Comprehensive/Strategic Planning
Project Summary: This project illustrates how utilizing personal computers, software, electronic forms and databases can provide planning units with one-stop access and retrieval to their data. By capturing and storing planning objectives into databases, an office can sort, and/or query and merge data for numerous reporting needs, e.g., strategic planning, accreditation, grant renewals, Board reports and student success initiatives--hence "painlessly" eliminating duplicative clerical processes.
