Using objective criteria to analyze interventions: Navigating through student retention literature

Abstract

Many developmental educators have been assigned increased responsibilities for campus-wide enrollment management activities. A new system is needed for educators to sort through more accurately and analyze the rapidly growing database of information related to student retention. This will enable the reader to more quickly identify promising practices for further investigation. This article provides a series of criteria scales to evaluate the likelihood of success among potential programs and identify the needed resources by the institution to successfully implement change. Scrutiny of potential retention programs must be increased by asking more questions early in the investigation process.