Applies economic theory to questions concerning the public financing of two-year colleges. Highlights two analytical constructs used in recommending educational policy: the principle of externalities and the theory of human capital. Considers the effect of academic/vocational program mix on educational financing and issues of equity and access.…

Reviews the literature on student attrition and suggests ways to increase enrollment and re-enrollment at community colleges without establishing labor-intensive programs and services. Focuses on the creation of the necessary environment for retention; the importance of campus-based research; and ways of predicting and preventing unnecessary…

Reviews literature and statistics on the increasing incidence of underprepared students entering postsecondary education, highlighting the community colleges' role in responding to students' needs. Puts forth reasons for providing remedial education related to the magnitude of the problem, access for educationally disadvantaged, adult students,…

Reports on a survey of faculty and administrator attitudes toward, and use and knowledge of, instructional television. Suggests strategies to increase the use of instructional television; e.g., create a need for change, promote the advantages of instructional television, and show how instructional television is compatible with institutional…

Describes a process whereby a community college continuing education division can be effectively promoted within the college. Considers the following elements of program advocacy: goal setting; evaluation of the continuing education division and its internal and external environments; and devising, implementing, and evaluating advocacy strategies.…

Argues that student employees need improved on-the-job training and more staff development opportunities. Describes the structured student employee training program at St. Louis Community College (SLCC) at Meramec, Missouri. Underscores the importance of employer support for the program and reviews results of the SLCC project. (DMM)

Makes a distinction between developmental and remedial programs and suggests reasons for the difficulty in evaluating these programs. Identifies basic limitations in educational research, factors found in successful programs, questions to be considered in selecting and formulating the evaluation design, and five useful educational research…

Examines issues and problems related to the measurement of community college outcomes in relation to mission and goals. Presents a model for outcomes evaluation at the community college which derives from the mission statement and provides evaluative comment and comparison with institutional and national norms. (DMM)

Argues that the need for research on the community college is intensified by the ever-changing character of learner needs and community conditions. Addresses two criticisms of two-year college research: the same questions are researched repeatedly and the effort overtaxes institutions. Calls for a stronger research base on the two-year college.…

Considers ways of measuring educational outcomes. Summarizes results from the Center for the Study of Community Colleges' administration of the General Academic Assessment, which measures the general education/liberal arts knowledge of two-year college student cohorts. Reveals direct relationships between test scores and credits taken and…

Describes a study of the institutional adaptations and strategies employed by community colleges in minimizing the problems associated with changes in sources of revenue. Summarizes findings based on a literature review and a survey of college presidents. Recommends strategies for adjusting to funding changes. (AYC)

Discusses a study of the labor market, occupational mobility, and job ladders of top-level two-year college administrators. Finds the mobility of administrators (particularly presidents, chief academic officers, and chief student affairs officers) largely within postsecondary institutions and more specifically within two-year colleges. Discusses…

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…

Looks at three areas in which college administrators should ensure that computers are available for faculty use (i.e., instruction, personal scholarship, and administrative tasks). Suggests ways of overcoming faculty resistance to computers and steps in a carefully planned and managed process of improving computer literacy. (DMM)

Argues that college business instructors should understand the history and potential value of microcomputers, familiarize themselves with software used in business, and keep source materials on the latest methods available. Stresses the necessity of hands-on computer experience for students in the business curriculum. (DMM)