ERIC Number: ED206343
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1981-Jul-31
Pages: 15
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
[Chancellor's Report].
Hayward, Gerald C.
Issues facing California's community colleges are reviewed in this response to the California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC) report, "Missions and Functions of the California Community Colleges." The paper first asserts that the most critical question facing the community colleges in the 1980's is whether they should and can continue to expand access to postsecondary education if these gains in educational equality can come only at the sacrifice of educational quality. In consideration of this question, the needs of nontraditional, underprepared students are discussed, and the factors and difficulties involved in meeting their needs are explored. Next, the CPEC's conclusions regarding three specific college missions are reviewed and critiqued. While disagreeing with the CPEC's view of the causes of the declining number of college transfer students, the paper acknowledges the legitimacy of questioning whether community college transfer programs will be maintained, whether transfer students are sufficiently prepared for university-level work, and whether course and program articulation is adequate. With respect to the community colleges' vocational education role, the paper touches on program diversity, involvement in federal and state job training programs, and the public's satisfaction with the colleges' efforts. Next, the paper notes the quality and social impact of community college adult continuing education. The paper concludes with general observations on the community colleges' comprehensive mission. (AYC)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A