Retention
Here are just a few thoughts. First are we as instructors just chasing numbers for record keeping purposes? Second is there a real problem in holding back students that do not perform as expected?
Is the bigger question, Is the administration chasing numbers for numbers/profit sake? When I see every member care as much as I am expected to then I will believe we are on the right path to solving the issue.
The answers to these questions will reflect the culture of the institution. Chasing numbers for record keeping purposes suggests a system that hasn't earned buy-in from its participants and/or a procedure that hasn't demonstrated its value. Chasing numbers purely for profit sake clearly suggests a culture with questionable values. However, an on-going focus on "the numbers" may be a way of establishing a universal understanding of the need for fiscal health/stability. Remember profit is the by-product of doing the right things the right way.
Holding a student back can be a very valuable way to get them on track IF they really do have the ability to succeed in their course of study.
Loren Kroh
I feel if it were up to instructors, we wouldn't chase number for record purposes but we are held up to an expectation to stay under a certain percentage of drops in order to maintain our jobs. Most drops are out of our control.
even if we hold some one back there is still a percentage that cant get there heads around a class subject is there record keeping for that.
Carolyn, do you have a suggestion for another standard to which instructors should be held accountable?
Most of the students I lose is due to transportation issues or their job is pressuring them to quit school to work full time. All of this is out of my control.
Perhaps out of your direct control, but you can be an active participant in keeping alive the dream that led them to enroll in the first place and be supportive of their efforts to find a solution to the challenges they are facing.
I believe sometimes we are chasing numbers in so far as retention. Students that are not ready, should not be released into he field. What purpose are we serving by pushing students out the door that are not prepared?
Jess, how have they gotten to the door if they're not prepared? If they received passing grades, they should be prepared; if they aren't prepared they shouldn't receive passing grades. That's the essence of the compact between student, school and employer.
