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…

Assesses William Rainey Harper's role in the junior college movement, covering his founding of junior colleges, his plan for educational excellence, and the impact of his ideas on curriculum reform. Sees Harper's major legacy in the distinction he clarified between the curricular organization of community colleges and liberal arts colleges. (AYC)

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)

Reports on a survey of 117 full-time faculty and 36 academic administrators in six rural Washington community colleges conducted to assess perceptions of current and ideal purposes and methods of faculty evaluation. Reveals a high positive relationship between faculty and administrator attitudes. Includes a literature review. (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…

Presents methods and findings of a study of finances, programs, costs, curriculum, and innovative practices at 160 small rural colleges, including comparative data on a small sample of nonrural and large community colleges. Finds small colleges receiving special consideration from funding sources and program diversity related to enrollment size.…

Describes an Individualized Career Plan (ICP) as a practical, written action plan of career development activities designed to direct a student's formal and informal learning experiences toward identifying and achieving a career goal. Discusses a study of the levels of awareness of the ICP among Illinois community college staff. (AYC)

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)

Reviews changes in the characteristics and teaching methods of community college humanities faculty between 1975 and 1983 using Center for the Study of Community Colleges data. Focuses on age, racial/ethnic background, professional activities, career aspirations, assistance available/used, perceptions of needed instructional improvements, and…

Reports on a study of the extent to which ambiguous and conflicting circumstances contribute to role strain perceptions among community college division heads. Clarifies how working conditions and personal attributes affect job expectations. Finds experience, age, outlook, and job satisfaction to be strong influential factors. (DMM)

Describes Linn-Benton Community College's efforts to develop priority-based contingency plans for a reduced budget using information provided by division directors on their program's relationship to college mission, instructional costs, graduates' employment outlook, follow-up data, enrollments, sunk costs and other areas. Reviews staff reactions…

Describes major trends in adult learning; i.e., expanded focus on career choice and preparation, changing roles in the workplace, skills training in the community, and changing lifestyles. Views positive communication skills, group skills, career balance, wholistic thought, creative management, and educational brokering skills as essential…

Provides an overview of the content and contributions of Dale Parnell's book, "The Neglected Majority." Highlights Parnell's concern with those high school graduates who will not pursue baccalaureate degrees and his proposals and recommendations for improving the cooperative relations between high schools and community colleges. (LAL)