The six regional accrediting agencies in the United States have created a set of standards based on best practices in colleges and universities. The evolving perception of an effective institution is one that uses data, assessment, and evaluation results to improve programs and services and strives for a high level of institutional quality. While…

The purpose of this article is to identify key ways in which program review provides information and documentation demonstrating that a community college is effective. This is accomplished through both the program review process (the means by which reviews are conducted) and the product (program review reports and supporting evidence). The various…

This chapter describes several examples of institutional use of state- and college-level tracking data to benchmark performance, improve student success, and enhance program effectiveness.

This chapter describes the National Student Clearinghouse and discusses opportunities and challenges for tracking community college students. It also presents a system perspective on using clearinghouse data to promote more comprehensive student and graduate tracking. (Contains 2 tables.)

This chapter examines lessons learned by states that are using student unit record (SUR) data to improve outcomes for community college students and recommends steps states can take to strengthen their use of SUR databases to benefit students and communities. (Contains 1 exhibit.)

Reviews the benefits a community college can accrue through a search for institutional distinctiveness, focusing on the value of the research process itself, the findings, and the changes that will take place if the findings are used effectively in planning and marketing. (DMM)

Reviews the strategic elements of an institutional plan: assessment of the external environment, auditing of institutional strengths and weaknesses, and matching of institutional strengths with external opportunities through the process of strategic goal setting. Urges community colleges to take action-oriented, dynamic, purposeful steps to shape…

Recounts Triton College's efforts to identify its distinctive elements. Reviews empirical evidence showing that Triton's school schedule, curricular offerings, and continuing education and support services are distinctive among local colleges. Discusses students' and staff members' perceptions of Triton. Considers the value of the research to the…

Presents an annotated bibliography of ERIC documents and journal articles providing models and guidelines for, and examples of, institutional self-assessments. (DMM)

Describes two ways to conduct research on the distinctive features of an institution: by establishing a college committee or by hiring an outside consultant. Considers the steps involved and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. (DMM)

Provides a comprehensive perspective on assessment in community colleges, indicating that there is great variance among institutions in the extent and sophistication of their assessment practices. Suggests that there are three categories of outcomes: student performance at community colleges, transfer institutions, and occupations; student…

Discusses widely held perceptions of the community college, focusing on issues related to student characteristics, elitism, and educational quality. Considers ways of changing public opinions about community colleges by fostering an image of comprehensiveness. Outlines the effect of specific institutional features on the image of a comprehensive…

Provides an overview of the process by which community college practitioners can research their institution's distinctive elements and features. Explains the use of information on institutional distinctiveness in program development, marketing, and college planning. (DMM)

The essays in this collection argue that community colleges have much to gain by seeking out and maintaining positive recognition of the features that distinguish them from other colleges in the region and state. In addition, the sourcebook contains articles discussing the process of conducting a search for institutional distinctiveness and ways…

Discusses ways to document student learning and achievement. Considers the differences in core curriculum, general education, and retained knowledge; the risks of pretests; and testing cognitive and affective domains. Describes Ohio Valley College's assessment plan, focusing on college aims, learning objectives, and the use of results. (DMM)