This study evaluates the implementation of policies and practices related to prior learning assessment (PLA) for military training and experience in Colorado community colleges. Through conducting interviews and a document analysis, this case study aimed to provide policy and practice recommendations for states, systems, and institutions to…

Community colleges are an important entry point and pathway for students to obtain a postsecondary degree in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. To broaden STEM participation and increase STEM persistence, it is important to support community college students' college-level course completion and academic performance. This…

This chapter explores the evolution of technology industry credentials in a rapidly changing digital skills landscape. The authors explore two interrelated case studies: the benefits of IBM's development of its own educational programs into digital badges, and the partnership between IBM and Northeastern University that articulates these industry…

There are hundreds of recognized tuition-free college "promise" programs, but few are as generous or flexible as the Kalamazoo Promise (KPromise). Pre-COVID studies on KPromise have demonstrated effects on increased college attendance, credit completion, and persistence. Extending these findings to the COVID-19 pandemic context can help…

Emerging early college models are providing opportunities for high school students to accrue college credits and experience themselves as successful college students. The states of Michigan and New York are at the forefront of state-level efforts to offer early college models to a wider range of high school students. This chapter features early…

This chapter reports results from a national policy study that examined state dual credit policies and how state policies address the quality of dual credit courses.

This chapter describes the role of career decision-making self-efficacy, academic satisfaction, and institutional support in predicting Korean students' intent to persist in the Academic Credit Bank System.

For more than two decades, the vision of a statewide system of student mobility has driven Ohio's articulation and transfer initiatives, which guarantee that specific courses will be applied to degrees and certificates at public two- and four-year postsecondary institutions. This chapter outlines how Ohio developed a comprehensive, guaranteed…

Policy, financial, and transportation barriers have limited participation in dual enrollment for marginalized (low-socioeconomic, first-generation, and ethnic minority) students in Oklahoma. This chapter presents a collaborative effort by education and community leaders that has successfully eliminated these barriers and increased the number of…

Throughout the nation's history, immigrants have come to the United States seeking opportunities for socioeconomic mobility, to strengthen family ties, or secure personal freedom. To leave the familiar landscape is not a decision made lightly and, once having resettled in their new home, immigrants face choices that may relegate them to the…

Across the country, increasing numbers and more varied students are taking part in accelerated learning options that provide college-level credit during high school. These options increase the likelihood that students currently underrepresented in higher education will enroll in postsecondary education. Community colleges lead the way in making…

Community colleges, which serve almost half of postsecondary students in the United States, are receiving ever-increasing attention from policymakers and researchers. Although these institutions have always served a wide range of people in their communities, the number of students who enter community college requiring additional preparation before…

Based on regional and national perspectives developed by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), this chapter examines policy barriers to e-learning and related challenges community colleges must face if they are to create an open marketplace for e-learning.

Describes Orange Coast College's Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) program, which involves student preparation of a fully documented autobiographical essay and an assessment procedure used to award credit for demonstrated competencies. Highlights faculty and industry involvement. (DMM)

This chapter identifies current organizational and instructional approaches to developmental education in community colleges and recommends a process by which colleges can make institutionally appropriate decisions to improve developmental education outcomes.