Cal State system's ambitious Graduation Initiative 2025 seeks a huge increase in completion rates by the middle of the next decade. Efforts include adding classes, improving counseling and urging students to take full course loads.
Colleges are looking at ways to help students who work long hours at jobs. Studies show grades slip and graduation is at risk when students work more than 15 hours, but the students say they have few alternatives when financial aid is not enough.
The USC report weighed black students' enrollment and graduation rates, among other factors. California ranked third highest in the nation, although author said results are actually mediocre and should be not celebrated.
Educators and the public do not have data that "in my view greatly improve students' performance and their ultimate employment," said Sen. Steve Glazer (D – Orinda), chair of the select committee on student success in the Senate.
