Reviews general education reforms since the first major study of general education in community colleges in 1952 and general education's current status. Notes general education reform projects and changes in emphasis and priorities in areas such as basic skills, personal development, specialization and fractionalization, and goals. (DMM)

Identifies social/demographic trends affecting adult education. Discusses the blurring of functions performed by private- and public-sector educational providers. Examines obstacles to the establishment of a "learning society": the growing gap between the well and poorly educated; increasing state and regional educational inequities; and…

The educational reform movement of the 1980's has sought to deal with the current problems in the educational system of declining standards, unprepared students, and low levels of morale among teachers by seeking to impose higher and more rigorous standards to restore academic quality. The experience, however, of excellent business companies in…

The thesis is presented that the late 1970s and early 1980s represent a plateau between two periods of high energy and a sense of mission in community colleges. Ideals that once sparked enthusiasm and a sense of common purpose have receded, and new ideals have not emerged to take their place. Survey literature supports this thesis. (MSE)

The role of higher education in society has changed dramatically in recent years and is likely to continue to change. There will be an increased need for more learning for more people for more years of their lives. There will also be an increase in the number and types of organizations providing education and the development of a worldwide…

Selected data from a 1984-85 Community College Goals Inventory were analyzed and compared with the results of the survey in 1979 to determine (1) whether the community colleges have assimilated the changes they were working on, and (2) whether there is any evidence of new institutional goals and priorities. (Author/MLW)

The current educational reform movement defines excellence in rather narrow ways, seeming content to prescribe measures to correct the perceived permissiveness of the past--more control, more requirements, and tougher standards. But rather than merely retracing old ground, educators should recognize that they are operating on a different plane…

Ways that higher education can best contribute to the quality of life in the twenty-first century are discussed. While higher education is coping with an anticipated lowered demand for traditional services, new educational functions are being assumed by corporations, professional associations, and other noncollegiate providers. Industries provide…

Although lifelong learning was a term created to mean cradle-to-grave learning, it has come to mean specifically adult learning and education. The adult learning force in the U.S. is huge and growing in size as well as interest. Since eighty-five percent of the active adult learners are high school graduates, they are eligible for postsecondary…