Recent efforts to improve developmental education have included references to learning communities as examples of effective practices in basic skills education. The study "Basic skills as a foundation for student success in California community colleges" (2007) cited research from Tinto that suggested that learning communities and…

Diversifying the faculty in community colleges, especially with faculty of color, continues to be problematic as we move through the first decade of the 21st Century. National statistics show that overwhelmingly the faculty continues to be Caucasian, even at a time when more and more students are coming from diverse ethnic backgrounds. This…

This examination of the current status of multicultural education among California community colleges emerged from a perspective that the inclusion of multicultural education has become a major goal of California's leaders within the past five years. The literature revealed minority students tend to have lower retention rates because they become…

Today, educational reform equals testing. This over reliance on testing has come about because of a belief that a paper and pencil or computer-based test can truly measure student learning and that results can be used for punishment, reward, and accountability purposes. This simplistic approach to reform is viewed as a quick fix to long seething…

Describes the creation of a community college faculty training program by the San Diego and Imperial Counties Community College Association in San Diego for members of underrepresented groups interested in teaching or counseling careers. Asserts the need for a diverse faculty of mentors and role models for ethnic minorities and women. (VWC)

Investigates student learning experiences in courses with multicultural and diversity content and finds that community college students desire this kind of course content. Students want to learn more about diversity than what frequently is associated with "culture." Information concerning gender, sexual orientation, ageism, classism, and…

Describes a study that investigates faculty perception of shared governance and whether there exist differences of opinion resulting from institutional and demographic variables. Indicates that most faculty accept the notion of cooperation and collaboration in shared governance, and that differences based on region or location have little effect…

Presents findings from a national study of 220 community colleges investigating the incorporation of multicultural curricula and staff development activities, perceived barriers to diversification, and future plans for multicultural programs. Indicates that although colleges are active in addressing multicultural issues, large numbers of students…

Describes a study of 50 California community college faculty investigating teaching methods used to provide multicultural education, multicultural issues included in courses, and the incorporation of multicultural content into class structures. Indicates that while faculty perceived the goal of multicultural education to be social reform,…

Describes a study of faculty opinions concerning academic standards in the community college classroom, comparing faculty responses based on personal characteristics, academic senate experience, and employment factors. Although faculty generally agreed on the importance of academic standards, there were differences based on senate membership,…

Describes a study investigating the impact of the campus physical environment (access to classrooms, access and comfort levels within classrooms, and safety considerations) on older adult learners. Indicates that students attending programs off campus had better access to and greater comfort in classes than those attending the main campus. (12…

Describes a study investigating the learning styles and personality types of community college and private university students. Identifies three broad types of learners (cooperative, independent, and competitive), suggesting significant correlations between experimenting personality types and learning style preferences. Discusses the role of…

Article describes a career program evaluation model which emphasized an employer evaluative data base. (Author/RK)

Reports on a study of honors program students' salient characteristics, educational background, personal demographics, and perceptions of honors program experiences. Recommends flexible course content and curricula, integrated intellectual elements, and special scholarships in honors programs. Also recommends that community colleges seek out and…

Discusses results of a study of economic development programs within community colleges in Illinois and Arizona. Finds agreement that colleges' responsibilities include initial contact with business and industry, developing training programs specifically for companies, and marketing programs and services to business. Briefly describes cooperative…