Most colleges have strategies around ‘persistence’ in place. Most are rather informal, involving flexibility in scheduling, learning rates etc. Some are quite imaginative. A number involve the group rather than just the individual learner.

• 1. Appropriate screening upon intake; referral to other programs or services if appropriate. 2. Expectations/terms/policies of program are clearly outlined for prospective students.
• Learners are encouraged to examine these forces at the beginning of their program and decide how to deal with them.
• We have flexible timetables, self-paced learning, faculty advisors, recognition of progress via our student celebration days, one-to-one teaching with collaborative approaches to students’ comments, questions, problems; all of these are responses to facilitate the students’ learning situation. We give stars, monkeys, rabbits – whatever kind of sticker we find in the stores to put on excellent work. It is a bit of a joke, but students often jump into the spirit of the practice and collect these stickers which reflect the students’ achievements on a day to day basis. The classrooms are large, brightly lit and as nicely decorated as classrooms can get, including plants, bookcases, posters etc. in an attempt to make the learning environment as pleasant as possible. Students can sit as a group with their friends or they can sit on their own. These are many options to address the needs and inclinations of our students.
• Yes, we go to great lengths to eliminate the negative aspects. The students identify and implement ideas that will make the learning environment less stressful. This year we tried a supplemental instructor for 14 hours in the communications class and four hours in the computer classes. We also hired a tutor to work in the math classroom.
• Done during month end report and documented.