Describes the formation of Mississippi's community college system, indicating that it is the largest single sector of the state's postsecondary education system. Reviews the colleges' role in workforce training and economic development and their provision of advanced technology centers and distance learning. Discusses the future of the system. (27…

Examines the multiple roles of community colleges in Appalachia: providing education and training to local students who are economically or culturally place-bound, promoting economic development and entrepreneurship through training in advanced technology and business skills, and meeting local community needs for specific academic or vocational…

Provides a manufacturer's perspective on ways that community colleges can better meet employers' needs, such as improving educational quality, keeping promises made, customizing programs, helping companies develop training strategies, providing on-site training and credit courses, being flexible, ensuring innovation, cooperating with companies,…

Describes the history and development of each of Montana's three community colleges, seven tribal colleges, and five vocational-technical institutes. Discusses issues facing Montana's postsecondary education institutions, including expanding educational opportunities; workforce development, articulation, and transfer; and restructuring of…

Describes the history, development, and characteristics of Arizona's public and private community colleges, noting that the former are overseen by the State Community College Board. Provides student demographics, and discusses the colleges' work in technology, telecommunications, distance learning, transfer programs, cooperation with businesses…

This essay discusses the difficulties many English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students face when mainstreamed into academic content courses while still enrolled in ESL classes. The author demonstrates the benefits of pairing an ESL speech class with a content area course as a method for improving English language skills. (Contains 44 references.)…

Discusses federal student financial aid, focusing on direct grant aid programs that serve needy students attending community colleges. Presents recent data showing that lower-income students attending community colleges are likely to receive less direct grant aid than those attending for-profit proprietary two-year institutions. (Contains 26…

Argues that because students with vocational associate degrees are not usually expected to transfer to four-year institutions, studies examining academic performances of two-year college transfer students rarely use type of associate degree as a variable. Attempts to determine a relationship between type of associate degree and baccalaureate…

Notes that to be considered literate in the age of information demands functional, academic, critical, and technological skills. Contends that technology must become an integral part of English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Describes how to use the Internet as part of a sustained content-based pedagogy to develop ESL students' literacy…

Urges community colleges to be originators and providers of video teleconferences, bringing information and training to other colleges, business and industry, and the general public. Describes De Anza College's involvement in the Community College Satellite Network. Offers guidance on topic selection, marketing, and national network building. (GFW)

Describes a study conducted at Kirkwood Community College, Iowa, to determine if student scores on the American College Testing Program's Assessment of Student Skills for Entry Transfer (ASSET) placement test could help identify potential dropouts among vocational students and to compare the predictive validity of high school grades and ASSET…

This description of the individualized, competency-based learning philosophy at Holland College, Canada, focuses on the impact of computer technology on various college functions. Topics discussed include the STEP (self-training and evaluation process) system, general administration, program development, staff development, library database and…

Based on one Canadian community college's experience with flexible admissions, it is concluded that access to higher education for nontraditional students can be increased if policies are mediated at the department level; these students do not threaten academic standards; and radical change in teaching methods and curriculum is not necessary. (MSE)

Lists 12 reasons to use the computer in undergraduate mathematics. Describes the appropriate roles and expectations for computer usage in the 17 mathematics offerings in 2-year colleges. Discusses anticipated types of software and their mathematical applications. (YP)

The validity of Tinto's model of college withdrawal was investigated with 100 4-year public college women and 165 2-year private college women. Institutional commitment was most directly affected by social integration. This commitment was seen as pivotal to retention. (IAH)