• Paths to Persistence: An Analysis of Research on Program Effectiveness at Community Colleges provides a critical analysis of the state of research on the effectiveness of four types of practices in increasing persistence and completion at community colleges. They are: 1) advising, counseling, mentoring, and orientation programs; 2) learning communities; 3) developmental education and other services for academically underprepared students; and 4) broader college-wide reform.

• Community College Students: Goals, Academic Preparation, and Outcomes (2003) is a U.S. Department of Education report using three different national data sources to identify the varying goals, preparation, and outcomes of community college students.

• The TRUCCS: Transfer and Retention of Community College Students project is a longitudinal study of the goals, success and academic patterns of 5,000 community college students in Los Angeles, seeking to identify student goals, activities and actions that promote success.

• The Student Support Services Program, funded by the Department's Office of Postsecondary Education, provides funding to colleges for academic development and support services designed to increase the persistence and graduation of underserved populations.

Developmental Education 

• Remedial Education at Degree-granting Postsecondary Institutions in Fall 2000 (2003) PDF is a National Center for Education Statistics report on the program offerings, structure, participation levels, and other aspects of remedial education.

• The League for Innovation in the Community College's Remedial Education Project seeks to increase student success by improving remedial education programs and policies. Publications include a national study and Developmental Education: A Policy Primer, outlining student need, the role of community colleges, and recommendations for college leaders.

• The National Association for Developmental Education focuses on improving theory and practice, professional developmental, educators and preparation programs for developmental educators.