Targeted Early-Alert and Early-Intervention for Student Retention
Ronald Johnson, DDS, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Presented at Lubbock Conference
Six schools in The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health, biomedical sciences, and health information sciences) and one College of Nursing in the Texas Medical Center collaborated for this educational research project. A “Personal Background and Preparation Survey (PBPS)” was administered to first-year students during orientation to identify characteristics that put them at risk for adverse academic events. A “Faculty Guide to Student Resources and Services” was used to train faculty advisors and encourage students to take advantage of the PBPS benefits.
Based on answers provided in the PBPS survey and written student authorizations, a pair of confidential and individualized reports were generated. One was personally delivered to advisors and the other mailed to students. Total number and areas of risk and concern for each student were separated into high, medium and low categories. At the end of the academic year, status codes were used to report students with adverse academic events. Analyses were made to determine correlations between these variables, underrepresented minorities and their majority classmates.
Parallel surveys were administered to advisors and students to identify factors affecting the quality of their relationship. This information will be used to match availability and effectiveness of advisors with specific needs of students.
Objectives:
· understand the benefits of the “Targeted Early-Alert and Early-Intervention” program that increase quality academic performance and decrease adverse academic events.
· understand the role of the “Personal Background and Preparation Survey (PBPS)” for students participating in the Targeted Early-Alert and Early-Intervention Program.
· utilize the process of Targeted Early-Alert and Early-Intervention (i.e., faculty and student PBPS reports; student advising and tutoring; faculty training; Faculty Guide; Study Skills, Presentation, and Communication workshops).