Discusses the difficulty of defining "excellence" and measuring "success." Reports on a national study of excellence at the secondary school level. Highlights qualities characterizing well-run companies, successful teachers, good administrative leaders, and excellent schools. (DMM)

Offers background on a study to identify community college presidents able to create a vision to move the college forward; communicate effectively to transform the vision into reality; and maximize the potential of each staff person. Defines transformational leaders as those who envision and nurture change toward access and excellence. (DMM)

Examines the development and activities of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development. Discusses four tenets for staff development initiatives: build credibility through face-to-face encounters; supplement personal encounters by a regular flow of information; build an internal staff development network; and encourage…

Provides results of an in-depth case analysis of Miami-Dade Community College, using the Roueche-Baker Community College Excellence Model. Focuses on situational leadership, systems for success, student-oriented teaching, student success, and institutional climate and culture. (AYC)

Advocates a structured and supportive learning environment in community colleges to respond to problems such as varied student learning rates, ability spans, and learning processes; poor readers; inexperienced writers; students' inability to listen and process information well; and lowered teacher expectations. Highlights teaching skills needed to…

Reviews research on the effects of repeated experiences of helplessness and on locus of control. Identifies conditions necessary for overcoming learned helplessness; i.e., the potential for learning to occur; consistent reinforcement; relevant, valued reinforcers; and favorable psychological situation. Recommends eight ways for teachers to…

Presents a model for an instructional system for low-achieving students, including such elements as proactive preenrollment, entry-level assessment and mandatory placement, basic skill development, articulation with subsequent courses, instructional prescriptions based on assessment, content-based instruction, exit testing, and student behavior…

Drawing from an in-depth case study of the organizational climate, leadership, teaching, systems, programs, and student outcomes at Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC), this book addresses questions related to the achievement of both open access and high academic standards in the community college. Chapter I presents the rationale for the study…

Provides practical suggestions for the creation of a positive psychological climate, which is necessary to the success of high risk students. Included are strategies for encouraging student participation, fostering a success orientation, and relating to adult students. A list of references is included. (JP)

Of all challenges facing open-door community colleges, none is more important than the need to renew and improve teaching quality in order to accommodate increasingly diversified student populations. Several policies have been particularly helpful to open-door institutions in improving student retention and achievement, including the following:…