Articulation for physical science and mathematics in Arkansas colleges and universities

Thirty-two degree-awarding institutions within the state of Arkansas provided the data for this study. The information was collected by utilizing a questionnaire and interviews. Sixty-one statements divided into five sections were contained in the questionnaire. The statements were formulated from Guidelines for Improving Articulation Between Junior and Senior Colleges developed by the Joint Committee on Junior and Senior Colleges. These statements are considered desirable for an effective articulation program.

The returned responses were used to formulate a two by two table. Frequencies from each table were then used to calculate a chi-square and a contingency coefficient. These measures were used as a means of determining whether there were differences in opinion of key agents as to desired practices and current practices for the articulation process within the state of Arkansas.

The major findings of the research indicated that less than 40 percent of the statements formulated from the Guidelines showed differences of opinion as to desired practices and current practices. In all five divisions of the questionnaire, the general opinion of the key agents showed no significant difference between desired practices and current practices. The opinion of key agents further indicated that many of the ideas in the Guidelines were being practiced but a significant number of them were neither desired nor practiced.

Administrators and/or policymakers should find the research useful as an aid in making decisions relative to practices for improving articulation programs.