To better understand the influence of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) competencies on practice since their formation, six community college chief executive officers (five presidents and one chancellor) were asked to reflect upon the enduring relevance of the competencies. They were also asked specifically how they acquired…

Given the variety of student intents, programs, pathways, and courses offered at a given community college, it is almost impossible for community colleges to provide general information to all prospective students about how to prepare for all the courses offered. But if community colleges seek to help students reach their goals, they must improve…

More than a decade ago, community colleges across the nation mobilized legions of faculty to craft critical thinking initiatives on their campus. Were these initiatives simply the latest educational fad, or did the implementation provoke substantive, lasting changes not only in what we teach but in how we teach?

This chapter argues that a relatively high tuition, high financial aid policy is the most equitable and efficient way to fund community college operating budgets and promote access.

This chapter summarizes useful and relevant resources and information on the topic of serving minority populations in community colleges, and presents information about several programs and services that have been successful in ensuring minority student success.

Not so long ago, the word "fundraising" scarcely made an appearance in the community college lexicon. Now, as our society moves from the industrial age to the information age, it can be considered part of a wave of change flooding across the community college movement, with clear implications for how community colleges teach, reach, and lead. In…

Offers a former faculty member's perspective on his journey from faculty member to college president. It details the various positions held and challenges that were experienced throughout his promotion to college president. Emphasizes the various roles and characteristics that need to be embraced as one becomes a college administrator. (JS)

Discusses issues surrounding the community college presidency and the necessity to have leadership development programs in place to assist in their training. Emphasizes the unique responsibilities of the college president and outlines specialized training programs that will assist in their development. Recommends that college presidents and…

Discusses the important impact of university doctoral programs for community college leadership training. Emphasizes the growing need for new community college leaders and the lack of specialized doctoral programs that focus on community colleges. Describes successful community college leadership programs as innovative, desirous of change, and…

Argues that, of the schemes described and proposed in this journal volume, Katsinas' proposal, which is based on institutional control, geography, governance, and size, meets the largest number of criteria and may have the best utility. Asserts that a system for classification of community colleges is needed. (NB)

Argues that the diversity of community colleges justifies a more subtle system of classification than the traditional Carnegie system, but the large number of missions taken on by community colleges complicates this goal. Makes a distinction between a characteristics-based system and an output-based system. Uses distinction to discuss schemes…

Illustrates the practical results of the five classification proposals presented in this volume. Each classification model has been applied to a common sample of colleges. Authors review the key implications of this collective exercise. Argues that local constructs demand a more sophisticated database at the national level. (Contains six tables.)…

Discusses the development of the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree in Maryland, which represents an outcomes-based, statewide articulation of the two-year degree in elementary education to public and private four-year institutions. States that if the AAT degree works in all iterations, it will serve as a national model for collaboration…

Describes the efforts of St. Petersburg College (Florida) to offer teacher education baccalaureate degrees in elementary education, special education, and secondary education in math and science. States that community colleges seeking to offer the baccalaureate degree should be aware of the demands posed by funding, curriculum, marketing, student…

Describes factors contributing to the successful planning and implementation of alternative teacher certification programs in one Texas community college school district. Asserts that if community colleges are to become major players in alternative teacher certification, they need to carefully assess the local market first, working in close tandem…