Reveals that 7 percent of the community college population has some type of special education need. Outlines steps taken in various schools to serve learning disabled students and discusses some of the drawbacks to establishing and maintaining adequate programs and services. (AYC)

Reviews the controversy over which junior college was established first and discusses the date on which Joliet Junior College (Illinois) first began instruction. (DC)

Underscores the problems of misunderstanding and misrepresentation in competency-based education (CBE). Proposes a definition of CBE, acknowledging that it must be adapted to individual colleges. Offers a rationale for adopting a CBE framework and provides an inventory model to facilitate the assessment of the quality of a CBE program. (CAM)

Assesses traditional ideas about remedial instruction, discussing common disjunctions between stated intent and practice in student assessment and program design. Sees skill development as a sequential process that needs to be conducted in an academic, subject-oriented context and to be related to students' academic goals. (AYC)

Details a study which contrasts the preference of older students for a more traditional learning environment with that of younger students for an environment conducive to greater interaction. Advocates matching instructional styles with learning styles, especially with regard to these age differences. (DD)

The results of a computerized tracking system and followup studies of nonreturning students indicate that the nonreturning student statistic at Mercer County Community College (New Jersey) has been due to intermittent enrollment, changes in personal plans, and completion of individual student objectives, rather than to the failure of the student…

Abstracts of ERIC documents pertaining to special community college programs for senior citizens are highlighted in this article from the ERIC Clearinghouse for Junior Colleges. (DC)

Discusses the reluctance of composition students to write about personal subjects in course assignments. Characterizes the "bluffer," the "failer," and the "overachiever" in composition courses. Suggests strategies for: (1) creating a nonthreatening environment; (2) grading on progress, content, and mechanics; and (3) minimizing students' fear of…

Uses the imagery of pioneer life to underscore the uncertainty of today's community college mission. Discusses the community college characteristics that represent a significant departure from traditional higher education: equal opportunity, open admissions, community involvement, comprehensive curriculum, and teaching orientation. Proposes…

Argues against community colleges' add-on responses to diverse student needs. Proposes restructuring the college to attain the open admissions goal, focusing on the teaching/learning process. Encourages institutional policies supporting program quality; improvement of student assessment skills; and use of a directive approach to student placement…

Analyses community-based recruitment techniques initiated by Moraine Valley Community College, Illinois, to stabilize enrollment, expand participation of the under-served, and increase the pool of college attendees. Delineates the eight goals of recruitment and the plan implemented at Moraine Valley. Discusses major activities and results. (CAM)

Since rural two-year colleges serve large, sparsely populated areas, often with insufficient funding, they must allocate their resources carefully so that their diverse populations can be served most effectively. The abstracts of ERIC documents included here report some of the problems and how they are dealt with. (Author/NHM)

This article presents abstracts of six representative ERIC documents pertaining to community services in community colleges that reflect current research and thinking on this topic. (DC)

Reviews the life of Aubrey A. "Fizz" Wills and his dedication to Joliet Junior College and to the community of Joliet, Illinois. (DC)

Although many community colleges need to increase their enrollments from new student populations, an inadequate job is being done to recruit women students. These community colleges must make a special effort to offer women students more than traditional options and to meet their educational needs. (JG)