Which factor is highlighted as improving academic success for students of color in community colleges?

• A. Having supportive, diverse faculty and strong student-faculty relationships
• B. Increasing standardized testing requirements
• C. Eliminating all remedial courses
• D. Limiting interaction between students and instructors

Answer: (A)

Supportive, diverse faculty and strong student-faculty relationships boost persistence and achievement for students of color in community colleges. When students see faculty who reflect or understand their experiences and when they have accessible mentors and responsive instructors, they feel valued and connected to the college. This sense of belonging leads to greater engagement, more timely feedback, clearer guidance on coursework and degree plans, and better navigation of challenges like work or family responsibilities. All of these factors together improve academic performance and the likelihood of completing a program.

Other options tend to miss this relational and representation aspect: more standardized testing can create additional barriers without building belonging or guidance; removing remedial courses might leave gaps in foundational skills; limiting interaction with instructors removes the support networks that help students succeed.