This investigation was a case study to measure the retention and persistence effects of a learning community in developmental English at an urban community college. The study used student demographic and course outcome data to quantify the extent to which learning community participation could contribute toward remedying the historically low…

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…

Describes a study of community college transfer students who completed bachelor's degrees to determine whether they followed the stereotyped pattern of enrollment in a community college directly after high school and in a university after two years. Indicates that many students do not follow a direct route from high school to community college to…

Lower division preparation for the university has been an important mission of community colleges since their inception, creating an essential pathway to baccalaureate degree attainment for many students who may not have access to higher education. The transfer pathway is complex and often difficult for students to navigate. This study examined…

Obtaining talented and properly trained college leaders is often a source of problems for community colleges. Emphasizes that community college leaders should not rely exclusively on graduate programs of education or professional training programs for leadership development. Discusses the historical factors contributing to community college…

This is a report on the universal program review developed and administered by Southwestern College (SWC) (California) to help achieve its institutional mission and meet accreditation standards. The program review was designed by the Achieving Institutional Mission (AIM) committee, which consisted of SWC faculty and administrative staff members.…

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)

Explores the use of state wage data in college planning, program improvement, and educational assessment. Explains how Southwestern College, which began collecting post-college wage data to gauge its economic impact in the community, found that these data were also valuable in assessing its career programs and institutional effectiveness. (EMH)

A study was conducted to ascertain the status of remedial education in the United States as perceived by state directors of community colleges. The study sought information on how the states defined remedial education; the states' mission in regard to remedial education; the courses funded as remedial; the governmental agencies with authority in…

Studies a California community college that is implementing the learning paradigm--shifting from simply providing instruction to actively enhancing student learning. Suggests that community colleges undergoing this shift should examine ingrained perspectives of teaching and learning, create annual growth plans, provide inservice programs, and…

Considers reasons for new college-community cooperation and forces within and external to community colleges that will be supportive of or resistant to the approach. (DMM)

Describes a study that investigated demographic changes in the community college presidency at 71 districts and 42 campuses from 1975 to 1995. Indicates that the number of women presidents has tripled since 1975, and the number of minority presidents has doubled. Contains two figures and 16 references. (JDI)

Describes a survey of California community college trustees and chief executive officers to determine the extent to which college administrators agreed with the provisions of Assembly Bill 1725 pertaining to state and local governance issues and operations. Finds both groups opposed to increasing state control over community colleges. (DMM)

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…

Defines functional illiteracy and offers statistics on the prevalence of illiteracy among various groups in the United States. Advocates a central role for community colleges in linking programs and resources addressing illiteracy, acknowledging constraints limiting the colleges' ability to combat the problem. (DMM)