College Profiles

Southwest Texas Junior College

Background

The four campuses of Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) serve residents in 11 rural counties, which cover 16,812 square miles, along the U.S.-Mexico border in southwestern Texas. 

Eighty-one percent of the SWTJC’s students are Hispanic and enrolled in college for the first time; 79% of the students are low-income.  Several recent initiatives that expanded distance-learning opportunities have helped the federally designated Hispanic-serving institution grow by 49% in five years. 

Achieving the Dream Interventions

Supplemental Instruction

Two developmental courses were chosen for supplemental instruction (SI): MATH 0303 (intermediate algebra) and ENGL 0302 (developmental writing II).  Students in selected classes attend tutoring sessions conducted by SI leaders; leaders are selected from among students who have achieved an A or B grade in the class.

Linked Math

MATH 0303 (intermediate algebra) and MATH 1314 (college algebra) are taught as one course in one semester.  Three sections are offered each semester, one at each major campus site.  The intent is to assist students in completing developmental math and continuing with the college-level course. Students in this combined course have the opportunity to complete a college-level math course during the same semester as their final developmental math course.  Eliminating the delay between developmental and college-level work allows students' skills to remain fresh.  A linked Math0301/0302 course also was offered.

Results

Student Outcomes for Traditional vs. Supplemental Instruction Math 0303 and Engl 0302, Spring 2009

Student Outcomes in Linked Math 0303-1314 vs. Traditional Math 1314 and in Linked Math 0301-0302 vs. Traditional Math 0302, Fall 2008