Higher education often implements tightly controlled group interventions to help support struggling student groups succeed in college. Insulation of underprepared students for “academic benefit” is prevalent and isolates students until they fulfill a defined curriculum. Evidence for invasive, targeted, and culturally relevant interventions in student learning certainly exists. However, colleges need a balanced approach to student academic progress. Insular/Integration outlines the strength in identifying and implementing strategies that support student needs, insulating at-risk students from the shocks and strains of entering college underprepared, while deliberately integrating students into college resources for success and engagement. This chapter focuses on using the insular/integration framework to develop network maps, success contracts, and policy additions/revisions for a purposeful retention configuration that strategically supports students and improves interdependence.
Addressing the Needs of Underprepared Students in Higher Education: Does College Remediation Work?
