Enumerates changing external conditions and internal organizational problems in community colleges resulting in a paradox involving institutional mission and structure. Lists steps for positioning community colleges as the key provider of specified programs/services through carefully defined linkages with public- and private-sector organizations…

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…

This paper, which focuses on shared governance in community colleges, is part of a series published by the Center for Community College Policy, designed to support state and local policymakers, as well as educational leaders who are interested in policy issues related to the two-year postsecondary sector. Shared governance, or "collegial decision…