Abstract
A systematic student failure mechanism—known in sociological terms as “cooling-out” in higher education—prevents countless community college students from obtaining a college degree, and college writing programs often play a role in this process. This thesis utilizes extensive historical and contemporary research as well as case study interviews and questionnaires with four Sacramento City College students to formulate conclusions about how two-year colleges and English programs can prevent “cooling-out” in open admissions schools. Research and case study findings suggest that four major factors may decrease the influence of “cooling out” in higher education. These factors include increased communication inside and outside the academy, responsible and localized college English assessment measures, positive and non-stigmatizing basic writing pedagogies, and modified writing resources at the college level.