PURSUING EXCELLENCE: THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF DENVER

• Published in: Community college journal of research and practice Vol. 25; no. 7; pp. 517 - 537
• Main Authors: Roueche, John E, Roueche, Suanne D, Ely, Eileen E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Informa UK Ltd 01.08.2001
• Subjects: Access to Education; Community College of Denver CO; Community Colleges; Developmental Studies Programs; Diversity (Institutional); Educational Quality; High Risk Students; Institutional Mission; School Effectiveness; School Holding Power
• ISSN: 1066-8926; 1521-0413
• DOI: 10.1080/10668920152407900

This article is based on an in-depth, yearlong qualitative case study focusing on the Community College of Denver and a comprehensive review of research examining developmental education and institutional effectiveness issues in higher education. The authors identify critical issues, discuss implications, and suggest recommendations for improving accountability of practices; (b) increasing student success, with an emphasis on valuing diversity; and (c) implementing a new developmental program of strategically improving an existing one. Recommendations include (a) being knowledgeable about accountability mandates required of others and initiating self-imposed action; (b) establishing a commitment to quality results and sharing results with internal and external constituents; (c) creating an internal grassroots process that regularly provides for open discussion, planning, promoting and supporting student performance, and celebrating success; (d) cultivating informal leadership; (e) recruiting and hiring the best faculty members available then monitoring, mentoring, and training them; (f) creating a centralized developmental education model; (g) integrating technology into all college services and instructional plans; (h) seeking external funding to support retention and achievement initiatives; and (i) being committed to and taking steps toward leveling the educational playing field. Study results suggest that, when implemented as a combined effort by an institution committed to student learning, these actions can contribute to significantly higher levels of student success.