Systematic Reviews of Research: Postsecondary Transitions – Identifying Effective Models and Practices
Summary
This paper reports on a systematic review of research on transition programs designed to help disadvantaged populations move into and through postsecondary education. The purpose of this literature review is to (1) describe the various transition interventions that exist around postsecondary education, (2) assess the inferential strength of the research on intervention programs which seek to ease transitions into and through postsecondary education and work, and (3) determine the impact that these programs have had on successful student transition. Aspects of transition intervention programs considered in this review include the federal laws on transition and the legislative foundation for government-funded interventions, the populations targeted for transition interventions, and what types of transitions exist.
The authors point out that the studies included in this review do not provide a very strong basis for making policy recommendations and reinforce the need for more investment in rigorous studies that investigate, in more detail, the specific aspects of programs that are associated with program success. Rigorous studies are also needed to investigate the interaction between programs and student characteristics in order to determine what types of programs are most effective for which students. However, the authors note that there is great potential for relatively comprehensive interventions to help students earn better grades and stay in school.
Citation
Banister, A., Bremer, C.D., Castellano, M., Hirschy, A.S., Novillo, W., Valentine, J.C. (2009). Systematic Reviews of Research: Postsecondary Transitions – Identifying Effective Models and Practices. National Research Center for Career and Technical Education, University of Louisville.
Link
http://136.165.122.102/UserFiles/File/pubs/Valentine_Postsecondary_Transitions.pdf