The issue of adequate funding permeates all legislation reported by state directors as significantly affecting community colleges in 1976, as state legislatures are increasingly reluctant to meet funding needs. Related issues include reorganization of governance structures, statewide coordination, institutional growth, enrollment limitations,…

To maintain their leadership in occupational programming in today's competitive postsecondary market, community colleges must (1) examine and cope with issues identified by industry, (2) explore alternatives to course and degree programming, (3) develop and use outcome measures, and (4) base programming decisions on coordinated data. (RT)

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.…

Reports on a survey of state directors of community college education conducted to identify significant actions taken by state legislatures to guide public policy for community colleges. Provides information on legislation considered or enacted in 1983. (DMM)

Survey data reveal that, of the 72 recent legislative actions affecting community colleges labeled as significant by state directors of community/junior colleges, nearly 50 percent are concentrated in three areas: institutional growth, governance, and financial support. There is a great deal of state-level legislative support for the continued…

Considers the strengths and weaknesses of community college liaison with state governments; evidence of positivism and threats toward community colleges in state legislation; and the implications of legislators' perceptions for community college leadership. (DMM)

Reviews the purposes and findings of a nationwide study of state directors of two-year college systems conducted to measure the current status and future directions of statutory and administrative agency policies affecting potential community college and public school coordination and cooperation with respect to lifelong learning. (DMM)

Describes a comparative study of the problem-solving styles of members of advisory groups of exemplary community-based adult education programs. Considers the relationship between personal characteristics and scores on the Kirton Adaptation-Innovation Inventory. (DMM)

Discusses political factors affecting educational leaders' ability to alter the constitutional and statutory status of community colleges. Reviews literature on policy formation for higher education and community colleges, and political culture at the state and subsystem levels. Describes a study of the relationships between political behavior and…