1. Having Their Lives Narrowed Down? The State of Black Women’s College Success
Author: Rachelle Winkle-Wagner
Source: Review of Educational Research 85.2( Jun. 2015): 171-204.
Abstract: Contradictory trends emerge relative to Black women’s college success: They have doubled their enrollment rates in thirty years but their graduation rates remain behind those of White and Asian women. This integrative, interdisciplinary review of both student- and institutional-level factors explores the role of individual characteristics and backgrounds, relationships, and institutional support structures relative to Black women’s success in college. The findings reveal that African American women’s lives may be narrowed down in research that includes them through (a) an emphasis on individual factors in college success instead of institutional (within college campuses) or larger sociostructural issues (race, class, or gender inequities in the larger society), (b) a lack of analysis of within-group difference among Black women, and (c) framing the notion of success as persistence or completion of a student’s degree program instead of self-identified or unique notions of success such as collective uplift, well-being, or satisfaction.
..................................................................................................................
2. Examining the Impact of Policy and Practice Interventions on High School Dropout and School Completion Rates: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Author: Jennifer Freeman and Brandi Simonsen
Source: Review of Educational Research 85.2( Jun. 2015): 205-248.
Abstract: The purpose of this literature review is to systematically examine policy and practice intervention research and assess the impact of those interventions on high school dropout and school completion rates. This systematic review extends the literature by (a) describing both policy and practice interventions, (b) synthesizing findings from experimental or quasi-experimental research, and (c) examining the common elements of effective interventions. Specifically, this review addresses two main questions. First, what are the characteristics of the empirical literature examining high school dropout or school completion interventions? Second, what are the common elements of effective policy or practice interventions for reducing high school dropout rates or increasing school completion rates? Findings indicate that despite research highlighting the need to address multiple risk factors and the need for early intervention, the bulk of current empirical research is focused on single-component, individual, or small group interventions delivered at the high school level. Further research is needed to provide guidance to schools regarding the integration of dropout efforts with other school initiatives. Multitiered frameworks of support are suggested as a structure for accomplishing this effectively and efficiently.
..................................................................................................................
3. Undergraduate Latina/o Students: A Systematic Review of Research Identifying Factors Contributing to Academic Success Outcomes
Author: Gloria Crisp, Amanda Taggart, and Amaury Nora
Source: Review of Educational Research 85.2( Jun. 2015): 249-274.
Abstract: A systematic review was conducted to produce an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of qualitative and quantitative evidence specific to the factors related to undergraduate Latina/o student academic success outcomes during college. The purpose of the study was to make sense of and provide critique to this rapidly growing body of research, as well as to direct future research efforts. Findings indicate that a combination of (a) sociocultural characteristics; (b) academic self-confidence; (c) beliefs, ethnic/racial identity, and coping styles; (d) precollege academic experiences; (e) college experiences; (f) internal motivation and commitment; (g) interactions with supportive individuals; (h) perceptions of the campus climate/environment; and (i) institutional type/characteristics are related to one or more academic success outcomes for Latina/o students. The article concludes with specific recommendations including the use of additional methods, frameworks and perspectives that we hope will be useful in advancing this line of work.
..................................................................................................................
4. Strategies for Teaching Students to Think Critically: A Meta-Analysis
Author: Philip C. Abrami, Robert M. Bernard, Eugene Borokhovski, David I. Waddington, C. Anne Wade, and Tonje Persson
Source: Review of Educational Research 85.2( Jun. 2015): 275-314.
Abstract: Critical thinking (CT) is purposeful, self-regulatory judgment that results in interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and inference, as well as explanations of the considerations on which that judgment is based. This article summarizes the available empirical evidence on the impact of instruction on the development and enhancement of critical thinking skills and dispositions and student achievement. The review includes 341 effects sizes drawn from quasi- or true-experimental studies that used standardized measures of CT as outcome variables. The weighted random effects mean effect size (g+) was 0.30 (p < .001). The collection was heterogeneous (p < .001). Results demonstrate that there are effective strategies for teaching CT skills, both generic and content specific, and CT dispositions, at all educational levels and across all disciplinary areas. Notably, the opportunity for dialogue, the exposure of students to authentic or situated problems and examples, and mentoring had positive effects on CT skills.