Discusses a study of faculty development programs at 62 Texas community colleges and the means by and extent to which the programs were evaluated. Reveals that most programs were group-oriented, perceived as effective, and offered at higher rates than in the past. Suggests ways to improve evaluation criteria. (DMM)

Reviews research literature concerning the rates of participation in and the effectiveness of instructional development programs in community colleges. Considers methodologies and findings, and concludes that the most effective methods (e.g., microteaching, minigrants, consultants) respect teachers' desire to be experts in specialized disciplinary…

Presents a three-step model for developing competency-based programs in accordance with the new Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1990. Covers the identification of program competencies, course design, and the development of course descriptions and syllabi. Discusses documentation requirements. (DMM)

Identifies a number of factors considered by community college deans of vocational education to be vital in any determination of program success. Posits these critical factors (e.g., enrollment data, placement factors, student performance, student and employer satisfaction) within an institutional report card format appropriate for distribution to…

Describes a study of student attraction to and the effectiveness of "plus two" programs at a major midwestern research university, which ensure transfer of associate degrees without credit loss. Reports that "plus two" students had to complete fewer credits than traditional students to obtain baccalaureates. (DMM)

Describes a survey of the chief academic officers at each of Illinois' community colleges, conducted to investigate faculty development activities, their evaluation, and their perceived impact on instructional improvement. Found a wide variety of activities--orientation, inservice, professional, individual, and group--available to faculty.…

Assesses the effectiveness of Northwest Mississippi Junior College's 1984 Summer Youth Employment Training Program, which involved 133 disadvantaged learners between the ages of 14 and 21 in an eight-week educational program focusing on remediation in mathematics and communication skills, career exploration, and job-search skills. Reviews related…

Describes a study of the effects of a summer bridge program on the academic, personal, and social development of underrepresented and low-income transfer students at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Tracks 1988 entering Transfer Summer Program students for their first two quarters at UCLA. (DMM)

Describes Laney College's Project Bridge, a basic skills program designed for underprepared community college students. Discusses the program's basic tenets (i.e., student-centered classrooms, the primacy of spoken language, and incorporation of minority group culture and international awareness). Considers the program's goals and organizational…