"Deep Alignment and Sponsorship" Discussion Questions

For our presentation, we plan on including the class in an extremely stimulating discussion lead by questions, in order to fully explore the topics handled in "Deep Alignment and Sponsorship" in Because We Live Here.

Below are those questions:

1. Dougherty is helpful in identifying the main obstacles he believes prevent students from completing a baccalaureate.  In your experiences, do you believe these challenges (staying in school during the first two years, transferring to a four-year school, surviving in the four-year school) are correct?
2. Higher ranking schools clearly have higher graduation rates.  Why is this the case and how can this be corrected in order to see higher graduation rates at all universities?
3. Dougherty points out that studies indicate students who initially report wanting a baccalaureate degree but start out in a community college do not achieve their stated goal as often as students who start out at a four year college.  Is this true, and if so, why?
4. In our community, we have a community college which funnels into the university, and many students use this to finish core requirements at a cheaper cost.  Do you have an experience with this system?  How did it prepare you for the university work level?
5. There is a clear economic divide between community colleges and universities.  Does this make a difference in graduation rates and success rates?  If students are placed in remedial level courses and must then work their way up to the university level, is their success rate at risk?
6. What can our community colleges and universities do to make the transition between them more seamless?

We'll be discussing them in class, so start thinking about your answers!

~Tiffany & the J-Man