Describes a study of 208 community college students to determine reasons given for deciding to withdraw, the relationship of student characteristics to those reasons, and patterns of reenrollment over 1 to 3 years. Discusses the relationship of gender, age, ethnicity, and academic preparedness to persistence. (58 citations) (KRG)

Presents findings from a study examining the level of computing and networking services provided by two-year colleges and four-year universities for students with disabilities and barriers faced by institutions in providing such services. Finds that two-year institutions provided a greater range of computer services than four-year institutions.…

Describes a study conducted to review the status of educational guarantees in two-year colleges and identify restrictions and processes associated with their implementation. Indicates that 87% of the colleges had adopted occupational guarantees and 68% adopted transfer guarantees and that colleges are using guarantees to improve institutional…

Provides a bibliography of current ERIC literature on the applications of technology in community colleges. Indicates that technology has changed the delivery of instruction in a number of fields and has increased the efficiency of research, administration, and record keeping. (KRG)

Reviews the history of two-year colleges in Alabama, arguing that the colleges lack a focus on mission and purpose and have not generally met the state's need for a technically trained workforce. Describes initiatives of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, formed to develop linkages between colleges and industry. (AJL)

Reviews the history of two-year colleges in Arkansas, discussing their beginnings in the late 1800s, enabling legislation as public junior colleges in the 1960s, expansion in the 1970s, and major changes in the 1990s. Describes current issues of concern, such as institutional mergers, local college governance structures, and state funding. (AJL)

Describes the University of Kentucky Community College System, highlighting its centralized funding structure heavily dependent on state appropriations and tuition, a governance system that combines characteristics of open access and land grant institutions, and its role in workforce development shared with a separate system of vocational schools.…

Describes the status of two-year colleges in Louisiana, arguing that only one of six colleges could be considered a "true" community college. Advocates the development of a statewide system to respond to increasing enrollment. Describes the Community College Task Force, appointed to organize a system despite opposition from technical institutes.…

Describes the formation of Mississippi's community college system, indicating that it is the largest single sector of the state's postsecondary education system. Reviews the colleges' role in workforce training and economic development and their provision of advanced technology centers and distance learning. Discusses the future of the system. (27…

Describes the establishment of Oklahoma's public two-year colleges and the decrease in state funding in the 1980s following the collapse of the oil industry. Details the colleges' responses to the challenges presented by decreasing resources and increasing enrollments, including cooperation with vocational-technical schools. Addresses concerns for…

Describes the development of Tennessee's community colleges, indicating that their establishment followed a carefully laid-out master plan. Attributes the colleges' success to a single governing board and strong relationships with each other and with sister universities. Discusses future challenges resulting from decreases in funding, especially…

Provides an annotated bibliography of current ERIC literature on critical thinking in community colleges. Presents seven citations related to assessing and improving critical thinking skills and incorporating critical thinking into the curriculum. (AJL)

Providing a forum for the exchange of information among members of the National Council for Research and Planning, this refereed journal offers articles on various aspects of community college research, management, and planning. The two issues of volume 7 contain the following articles: (1) "Case Studies of Community College High Risk Students:…

Drawing from a study of exemplary community college programs, offers recommendations for increasing support for at-risk students through preenrollment activities, orientation programs, elimination of late registration, basic skills assessment, improved financial aid, expanded mentoring programs, and increased problem solving and literacy…

Describes a national study of the current availability and use of commercially and institutionally developed educational assessment instruments. Indicates that two-year institutions reported less activity than four-year institutions in assessing the major fields of study but that 77% of all two-year institutions assessed basic skills. (MAB)