About the Intervention
Opening Doors Learning Communities at Kingsborough Community College is a one-semester program for incoming freshmen (ages 17-34) who tested into either developmental or college-level English (excluding ESL students) and planned to attend full time. The program places groups of up to 25 students in three linked courses during their first semester: an English course (developmental or college-level based on placement test scores), an academic course required for their major, and a one-credit freshman orientation course. Faculty receive one hour of reassigned time to meet regularly, discuss student progress, integrate curricula, and coordinate assignments. Enhanced supports include: a case manager (Opening Doors counselor) who teaches the orientation course and proactively assists 75-100 students across 3-4 learning communities; a tutor assigned to each learning community who attends the English and often the subject matter course; and textbook vouchers worth $150 for the 12-week main session and $75 for the subsequent 6-week intersession. Some services (enhanced counseling, textbook vouchers) extend into the intersession following the program semester.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect: on degree completion
Positive effect: on total credits earned
Positive effect: on continuous enrollment
Positive effect: on intersession enrollment
Positive effect: on intersession credits earned
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
N/APrograms & Services
General EducationDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s), Teachers/Instructional TeamsCitation
Cullinan, D., K. Mayer, A., Rudd, T. & Sommo, C. (2012). Commencement Day: Six-Year Effects of a Freshman Learning Community Program at Kingsborough Community College. Opening Doors (ED645730). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED645730.pdf.
Study Demographics
These charts show the demographic makeup and geographic setting of the research study that evaluated this intervention's efficacy. When assessing the fit of an intervention, consider whether it was found effective in a context similar to your own.
Participant Race
What was the racial breakdown of this study's data sample?
Participant Gender
What was the gender breakdown of this study's data sample?
Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
What was the setting of this study?