Discusses the public's growing disaffection for institutions of higher education in North America and the increasing need for educational reform. Reviews conclusions from a study of effectiveness practices in over 200 two-year colleges. Argues that the colleges can and will play an important role in education reform. (AJL)

Argues that current changes in the educational climate require transformations in community college organization. Discusses operational, linear, and frame-breaking approaches to change, arguing that all are important in making the transformation to high-performing institutions, or institutions that can manage both incremental and revolutionary…

Argues that workforce and economic development in urban areas are linked and that community colleges must develop new strategies to meet these challenges. Reviews urban trends and advocates focusing on the demand side of the labor market, or getting employers to become driving forces in shaping job preparation. (AJL)

Discusses challenges facing community colleges related to economic development; changes in workforce needs; and changing student characteristics, including increasing numbers of adult students. Describes efforts at Florida's Valencia Community College to address these challenges by becoming more learner-centered. Highlights efforts to link…

Provides a manufacturer's perspective on ways that community colleges can better meet employers' needs, such as improving educational quality, keeping promises made, customizing programs, helping companies develop training strategies, providing on-site training and credit courses, being flexible, ensuring innovation, cooperating with companies,…

Presents recent data on 2,700 manufacturing plants that employ fewer than 500 employees. Suggests that low-road shops (i.e., those that are not very systematic, modern, or distinctive) outperform high-road shops. Argues that community colleges currently provide training geared toward low-road plants, but that they should shift their focus toward…

Discusses the challenges that the federally-mandated shift from the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program poses for community colleges. Describes efforts undertaken by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to help states and communities manage the shift. (AJL)

Describes the two-year "Exploring America's Communities (EAC): In Quest of Common Ground" project undertaken by the American Association of Community Colleges. Indicates that EAC's conferences and mentoring activities were part of a larger effort to determine what it means to be an American today. Discusses EAC's major activities and results. (AJL)

Discusses issues faced by community college counselors as the number of nontraditional and high-risk students increases and funding decreases. Describes strategies that incorporate technology to help counselors cope with the demand for services. Indicates that colleges are turning to private financial support to help with funding. (AJL)

Presents national data on the 40-and-older student population, focusing on their methods for gaining access to postsecondary education, experiences while participating in education and training, and outcomes. Reports that the proportion of these students increased 235% between 1970 and 1993 and that the majority attend part-time and live…

Reviews research on the baccalaureate attainment of community college transfer students, suggesting that low rates are due primarily to problems in the transfer process. Describes a dual admissions program at New Jersey's Rutgers University, which guarantees junior status to community college students who fulfill requirements. Reports preliminary…

Discusses a Title IX action brought against Rhode Island's Brown University as a result of the university's demotion of two women's varsity teams to unfunded status. Reports that the court rejected Brown's argument that women are less interested in sports than men, ordering it to comply with the law. (AJL)

Describes the downsizing and restructuring occurring in many community colleges due to funding decreases and enrollment increases. Discusses the feasibility of keeping an open-door policy, and explores other options to downsizing. Lists steps to help colleges review their missions, arguing that they must move to find their market niches. (AJL)

Discusses the 21st Century Education Leader Project, designed to identify the attributes of and provide a work profile for community college presidents of the next century. Describes methods used to develop the profile, including a panel of 14 community college experts and the Occupational Personality Questionnaire. Includes tables. (AJL)

Describes a study that applied marketing and advertising theory to recruit community-college business faculty. The reactions of male and female target applicants to recruitment advertisements and job descriptions were assessed, with differences found between the two groups. Discusses results, and implications for practice, theory and research. (36…