A Socio-Ecological Outcome Investigation of the Student Engagement, Achievement, and Satisfaction of Latino Men in Community College Developmental Mathematics

Abstract

ABSTRACT To understand how to best support Latino male community college students, we used the Socio-Ecological Outcomes (SEO) model to examine factors associated with their achievement and college satisfaction. Specifically, we leveraged data from the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) and situated our study in developmental mathematics, given its potentially gatekeeping effects in postsecondary education. In a subsample of Latino men in community college developmental mathematics courses (N = 1,140), we conducted two regression models with GPA and satisfaction as outcomes and various predictors from the SEO model such as background, environmental, academic, and campus factors. Results indicated that academic preparedness, being of older age, college support from friends and family, and use of academic-related resources were positive predictors for both outcomes. Sense of belonging was positively associated with college satisfaction. Conclusions and implications for how CCSSE variables can be used in conjunction with the SEO model are discussed.