Maintains that the consent and support of the community college governing board is necessary for a successful effort towards becoming community-based. Suggests a program of trustee education through readings about innovations in the field, visitations to other community colleges, continuous study of the home college and feedback. (AYC)

Contrasts the ideal of equal educational opportunity with the growing high school dropout problem. Reviews the Education Commission of the States' challenge to educators, business leaders, and policymakers to prevent students from dropping out and make job and educational opportunities available to those who have already left school. (DMM)

Indicates that external relationships with associations, institutions, agencies, businesses, and constituencies are a major factor in determining the future of community colleges. Demonstrates the need for high quality and in-depth relationships. Offers suggestions for planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective and appropriate external…

Calls for more effective management of the governance process. Reviews models of governance systems and offers suggestions for effective governance. Includes a checklist of questions to be asked of those responsible for governance systems in community colleges. (DMM)

Considers the leadership role played by the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges (AACJC) in curriculum development. Reviews AACJC's public policy agenda for 1987. Traces the organization's role in establishing economic development as a curricular priority for two-year colleges, and briefly describes award-winning partnerships…

Warns that, without careful planning and implementation, marketing can bring about unwanted changes that result in stress within the institution and between the institution and the community. States that marketing must be an integral part of long-range planning and directly related to the goals of the college. (DD)

Presents three case studies showing how impact studies can be conducted in a constantly changing community environment. Describes the impact of a community college as direct or indirect, depending upon relationships between resources and outcomes. Recommends planned, coordinated assessment programs as tools for decision makers. (DMM)