Analyzes the changes in the ratio of part-time to full-time faculty in the community colleges from 1972-73 to 1976-77. Includes a literature review, tables illustrating regional ratios, and a discussion of the implications of the change from part-time faculty comprising 40 percent of instructional staff in 1972-73 to 56 percent in 1976-77. (DD)

Presents results of a research effort designed to develop a methodology for assisting dietetic technicians, physical therapist assistants, and medical record technicians curriculum relevance, and to better understand labor market conditions affecting the utilization and distribution of midlevel technicians. (Author/LAS)

Reviews the current community college literature by author group, focusing on the writings of faculty, researchers, state agencies, national associations, university professors, and journalists. Examines the ability of the literature to critically evaluate the meaning and purpose of the community college as a social institution. Calls for a more…

Describes surveys done by Hartnell College's Salinas Valley Region Business Retention and Economic Advancement Project, which collected data from regional businesses concerning workforce and training issues. Results were used in two ways: (1) to reshape services to specific businesses thereby leading to regional business retention; and (2) by the…

Presents findings from a study assessing the reactions of 34 community colleges to California Assembly Bill 1725 passed in 1988, which mandated shared governance for the state's 107 community colleges. Concludes that AB 1725 is working as it was intended in the majority of schools. Contains 69 references. (JDI)

Reviews the responses of five leadership groups (presidents, chief financial officers, deans of liberal studies, chairs of social sciences and media services directors) from 29 community colleges in Michigan regarding the planning, curriculum design, and cost-effectiveness of distance education. Indicates that all groups have favorable views of…

Nonscience majors in introductory science courses participated in focus groups to discuss their feelings about the courses. First-day issues were chief on their list as a source of science anxiety. Both general studies students and science-related major students asked for a different approach to the first day of class. Offers first-day strategies…

Faced with a changing social context, community colleges increasingly place community needs high among their priorities; rebuilding local communities may soon become a new mission. Initiatives are multiplying in three areas: community-based education; new collaborations; and new community services. The traditional community college is changing…

Provides San Diego Community College District English faculty views on the mandatory prerequisites now being enforced for several courses. Discusses the external factors in, and implications of, enforcing prerequisites, as well as potential outcomes.(YKH)

Describes a study that assessed how students and parents perceived a postsecondary enrollment options program that admits high school students to special college courses. Presents findings that indicate both groups had positive perceptions, but parents tended to view the program as a career planning tool, whereas students perceived it as an…

Outlines issues and concerns that should be addressed by graduate programs for community college leaders to help prepare them for the real world. Reviews concerns related to dealing with nontraditional students, developing meaningful curricula, learning conflict resolution skills, using technology to improve instruction, and solving other…

Argues that the constantly changing workplace and the need for workers to be adaptable requires changes in postsecondary curricula. Suggests that jobs created by the new economy will require higher skills. Argues that the new economy will blur demarcations that exist between community colleges, proprietary schools, and other postsecondary…

Overviews three experiments exploring the value of extensive reading in English as a foreign language for college students in Japan. Notes that in extensive reading, students do self-selected reading with minimal accountability, i.e. writing brief summaries or comments on what they have read. Findings reveal extensive reading to be superior to…

Presents institutional profiles of New Mexico's 17 two-year colleges, extolling the diversity in size, scope, governance structures, and students. Includes information on the colleges' missions, programs, students, and funding. Discusses future key issues such as educational cooperation and the need for a statewide community college system. (AJL)

Reviews six challenges that community colleges must address to achieve education reform: urge students to take tougher courses; outline rigorous standards for assessment; focus on reading; help create new American high schools on college campuses; strengthen teacher preparation; and involve the community. (AJL)