Graduation Date
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Sociology
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Judith Little
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Lee H. Bowker
Third Committee Member Name
Nancy Portalupi
Fourth Committee Member Name
Dr. Chris A. Hopper
Keywords
Sociology
Subject Categories
Sociology
Abstract
The focus of this study was to determine how testing students for a learning disability at Humboldt State University impacts a student’s academic performance when they are diagnosed with a learning disability and use accommodations. The purpose of this study is to provide insight to administrators at Humboldt State University regarding the learning disability assessment program and how it relates to retention rates. Academic data of all students tested for learning disabilities from summer, 1999 through spring, 2002 (61 students total) were analyzed before testing and then at least one year later to determine the impact testing and accommodations had on their academic status. Consistent with program requirements, all students tested were in academic jeopardy. Success rate is defined as being in good academic standing. Students who completed the testing process had a 79 percent success rate while those who did not complete testing had a 43 percent success rate. Retention rates after testing was 85 percent. Results showed that testing students for learning disabilities and the use of accommodations increased retention and success rates of students who were originally in danger of not meeting the academic requirements for graduation. Background of learning disability issues and implications for future processes and procedures are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Archibald, Elizabeth K., "Learning Disability Assessment and Student Retention Rate at Humboldt State University" (2006). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2376.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2376