Argues that the need for research on the community college is intensified by the ever-changing character of learner needs and community conditions. Addresses two criticisms of two-year college research: the same questions are researched repeatedly and the effort overtaxes institutions. Calls for a stronger research base on the two-year college.…

An effective environmental scan will improve the quality of community college planning and decision making by alerting institutional leaders to the challenges and opportunities in the environment. Scanning can be done in three ways: (1) establishing a scanning committee to gather and synthesize information to guide planning; (2) sponsoring a…

In 1990, a survey was conducted of colleges in the Mid-Plains Technical Community College (MPTCC) area to determine the most effective organizational structure and staffing patterns for institutional research and to assess the kinds of information most needed. The survey instrument was mailed to 30 administrators in the Area Office and at…

In light of growing concern for the measurement of educational effectiveness, this paper advocates institutional research at the community college level in California's community colleges to answer crucial questions concerning students, programs, and communities and urges trustees and administrators to use research results to inform decision…