Objective: This project analyzed recent doctoral dissertations addressing the role of community colleges in rural development for the purpose of identifying themes in the reported results and offering recommendations for future research. Methods: A meta-synthesis approach was utilized with 20 doctoral dissertations from the time period 2009 to…

Promoting inclusive and equitable postsecondary learning environments is a global priority Postsecondary institutions, particularly community colleges' career and technical education (CTE) programs, are increasingly held accountable for achieving education-related sustainable development goals (SDGs) and are expected to provide knowledge of the…

Today, we revisit our initial stance of eliminating standardized test scores from the college admissions process to improve equity and student diversity. With refreshed data about test-optional admissions, we address the import of institutional responsiveness to redress persistent equity gaps that impact our state's workforce diversity and hiring…

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant represented an unprecedented investment by the federal government in integrated postsecondary education and workforce training offered primarily by community and technical colleges. Between 2011 and 2018, 256 grants totaling nearly $2 billion were awarded through…

The United States is addressing unprecedented economic challenges, and community colleges have been identified by the federal government as part of the solution (Lothian, 2009). Unparalleled federal support to community colleges provides these institutions with a tremendous opportunity to influence the trajectory of the country's economy through…

Many high school and two-year college vocational programs are exploring new ways to help students develop and document skills valued in the labor market. Over the past decade, some efforts to improve vocational programs have focused on reorganizing curricula around skill standards and assessments formulated by employers. One recent example of this…

This paper presents a preliminary human resource development plan for the radiography program sponsored by Lincoln Land Community College (Illinois). The plan is based on the "Essentials and Guidelines of an Accredited Program for the Radiographer," initially adopted in 1944, and most recently revised in 1990, it involves the integration…

The role and responsibility of postsecondary education in preparing California's workforce demand both a research-based examination and a comprehensive discussion that can bring education and workforce interests together at the state level. This policy brief and others to follow examine where and how the state's postsecondary systems fit into a…

Describes the purposes of contextual learning, or learning by associating classroom theory with real-world applications, and its role in workplace education. Reviews three common delivery models of contextual learning: self-contained curriculum components, cross-disciplinary approaches, and integrated curriculum approaches. Discusses assessment…

In an effort to explore the relationship between employed students and community colleges, this paper provides a extensive review of the literature on business and industry connections to higher education. First, introductory material examines the lack of comprehensive training programs in U.S. business/industry and the dearth of evaluative…

Argues that department chairs should be more involved in human resources development. Redefines faculty development in terms of faculty improvement in intellectual, institutional, personal, social, and pedagogical domains. Reviews three studies of department chairs' roles and responsibilities, highlighting role orientations, faculty development…

Emphasizing the central role of community colleges in workforce development, this two-part monograph reviews the status of workforce development initiatives at the national, state, and local levels and provides descriptions of 10 exemplary programs at community colleges across North America. The first part focuses on the status of and operating…

This monograph describes and analyzes recent developments in national tertiary education institutions in the seven countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS): Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Monserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Following prefatory materials, chapter 1 asks if…

This study asks if occupational education bestows advantages or disadvantages on the students who pursue it, and how the educational experiences of occupational students compare to the experiences of students in academic programs. The authors used the Beginning Postsecondary Student Longitudinal Study of 1989-94 and 1995-98 to analyze educational…

Prepared to assist the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges in the development of its "New Basic Agenda" for 1996, this report discusses several major statewide trends with important implications for California's community colleges. Data are reviewed on population growth, labor market and technological changes…