Reviews the historical position of community colleges toward general education and describes the present situation in terms of the results of a survey of 254 deans of instruction as to dominant curricular approaches, future plans, and perceived obstacles to change. Lists forces against and favoring general education. (AYC)

Reviews the many possible roles of external consultants and suggests a ten-step approach for using external consultants effectively to improve instruction. (JDS)

Predicts the areas and direction of instructional change in the community college future, including increased commitment to the systems approach to instruction, heavier use of media and technology, more flexible delivery systems, and heightened interest in evaluation. (JDS)

States that professional development programs, though they run the gamut from fledgling to comprehensive, have developed over the last three decades as a result of the rapid growth of the community college. Examines some of the early struggles of the professional development movement and discusses future challenges. (AUTH/NB)

Addresses the critical need for leadership development in light of the significant number of community college leaders expected to retire in the near future. Discusses current options and recommended solutions for meeting the training needs of a new generation of community college leaders. Contains 10 references. (AUTH/NB)

Explains the impossibility of community colleges acquiring stature based on nearby four-year institutions' perceptions of them. Describes characteristics that contribute to excellence in community colleges (e.g, clarity about purposes, and action plans tied to purposes, goals, and short-term objectives). Offers a rationale for focusing on…