Community colleges have evolved a lot over the decades, but as much as they've changed over the years, they've remained true to their core mission of serving their community's needs. They have done so as they always have--by being highly responsive to shifting priorities. This calls to mind the old saying: The more things change, the more they…

In this article, Bob Woods reports that "Big data" is all the rage on college campuses, and it makes sense that administrators would use what they know to boost student outcomes. Woods points out that community colleges around the country are using the data: (1) to guide the systematic expansion of its curriculum, providing targeted…

Public health education is not just for graduate students anymore. The movement toward integrating public health into the education of undergraduates is rapidly evolving. Healthy People, a public-private consortium of more than 400 health-related organizations, has proposed an objective for 2020 that could dramatically increase public health…

When Martin Lancaster took over as president of the North Carolina Community College System more than a decade ago, the state, not unlike much of the nation, stood at the precipice of a massive economic shift. As traditional manufacturing and farming jobs--from tobacco to furniture to textiles--began to disappear, demand for a new breed of worker…

Reviews six challenges that community colleges must address to achieve education reform: urge students to take tougher courses; outline rigorous standards for assessment; focus on reading; help create new American high schools on college campuses; strengthen teacher preparation; and involve the community. (AJL)

Presents the responses of Norman L. Fortenberry, Division Director of the Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE), and Bob Watson, immediate past director of DUE, to questions submitted by AACC regarding NSF's education programs, opportunities, and grant applications. DUE is the focal point of the National Science Foundation's agency-wide effort…

Describes the two-year "Exploring America's Communities (EAC): In Quest of Common Ground" project undertaken by the American Association of Community Colleges. Indicates that EAC's conferences and mentoring activities were part of a larger effort to determine what it means to be an American today. Discusses EAC's major activities and…

States that although many organizations offer training courses, they also rely on educational institutions to provide training and proper credentials. Discusses the recent demand for skills in information technology (IT) and how it has generated a wide range of courses offered by community colleges. Addresses how competency in IT is assessed, and…

Describes a national project to unite businesses and community colleges in the production of CD-ROM instructional materials for 22 workplace competencies in 16 modules. Indicates that the program is currently in the "proof of concept" phase, in which 5 community colleges are creating technology-based teaching modules for 9 competencies and…

Describes a new concept for business education at Mercer County Community College called the International Business Practice Firm (IBPF), developed in response to employer calls for a more global approach in teaching American business students. Outlines the IBPF learning process, which teaches students business, technology, and "soft"…

Contends that community colleges need to move from the comfort of the instruction paradigm to that of the learning paradigm for the next century. Asserts that a curriculum based on learner outcomes can be created with the aid of new technology and well-trained faculty. Proposes suggestions for making the transformation to become a learner-centered…

In the context of copyright law, this article analyzes the conflict between faculty and institutions over ownership of digital curricular materials. Suggests that colleges consult with faculty to develop policies for allocating ownership and licensing rights in a way that allows all to benefit. (JDI)

Reports on Jim Jacobs and Roberta Teahen's efforts to develop a systematic approach of integrating career and academic education. The movement began in 1995 with representatives from four Michigan community colleges. Presents examples from various colleges across Michigan that demonstrate success in curriculum integration. (VWC)

Describes the establishment of the Sedona Center for Arts and Technology, which offers career preparation in multimedia content development and encourages teachers to use new media to enhance learning outcomes. Discusses four key elements that have contributed to the success of the start-up phase: thorough planning, clear pedagogy, strong…

Provides a discussion of the debate surrounding multicultural education. Indicates that multiculturalism is an attempt to develop curricula, instructional materials, and pedagogy allowing individuals to acquire a perspective beyond their unique cultural, ethnic, gender, and racial perspective. Suggests that community colleges have fallen behind…