Overcoming Educational Racism in the Community College - Informed

In this review of Overcoming Educational Racism in the Community College, the bottom line is clear: this is a focused, research-driven resource for administrators, faculty, and policymakers seeking practical direction on improving retention for underserved students. The book brings together scholars and college leaders to examine structural causes of attrition and to present implemented strategies, making it most valuable to readers who want evidence-based discussion rather than a quick toolkit. It is recommended for those committed to institutional change and community impact.

Key Features

• Comprehensive analysis: Chapters synthesize national research to illuminate the systemic and structural drivers of community college attrition for underserved groups.
• Demographic focus: The book is organized by demographic groups so readers can quickly find material relevant to African American, Native American, and other populations.
• Practitioner perspective: Contributions from college presidents and leaders describe real-world strategies that have been implemented to improve student outcomes.
• Policy relevance: Discussion connects campus practice to broader community and economic consequences, helping readers frame institutional changes in a larger context.
• Evidence-based recommendations: The editors and authors highlight approaches grounded in research, aiding administrators who need defensible program ideas.

Who It's For

This book is best for community college administrators, student success staff, faculty interested in equity, and policymakers who need a research-backed view of why underserved students drop out and what leaders have done to reverse those trends. It suits readers who want both scholarly analysis and examples of institutional practice.

It is less useful for readers looking for a short how-to manual or for students seeking study tips; the emphasis is systemic analysis and institutional strategy rather than step-by-step classroom or tutoring techniques.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Brings together nationally recognized researchers to explain complex structural causes of attrition.
• Includes accounts from college presidents and leaders, offering practical examples of implemented strategies.
• Organized by demographic group, making it easier to locate material for specific student populations.

Cons

• Not a quick reference guide; readers should expect in-depth analysis rather than brief checklists.
• May be heavier on research and institutional policy than on classroom-level interventions.

Specifications

Title	Overcoming Educational Racism in the Community College
Series	Innovative Ideas for Community Colleges Series
Editor/Author	Angela Long
Audience focus	Minority and economically disadvantaged community college students
Contents organized by	Demographic groups (e.g., African American, Native American)
Approach	Research synthesis and practitioner case studies

Our Verdict

This book is a valuable, research-informed resource for higher education leaders and policy advocates who want to understand and address the systemic roots of community college attrition. Its combination of scholarly analysis and practitioner examples makes it good value for institutions seeking to design defensible, equity-focused strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book offer practical strategies for colleges?
Yes. Alongside research, college presidents and leaders describe strategies they implemented, providing real-world examples administrators can study.

Which student groups are covered?
The text is divided into sections devoted to demographic groups, including African American and Native American populations and other underserved students.

Is this a quick how-to guide?
No. The emphasis is on systemic causes and institutional responses, so it is more analytical than a brief checklist manual.