In this article we summarize the planning and implementation of online distance learning programs at various community colleges in California. We examine six areas: the institutions' vision, curriculum and programs, staff training and support, student services, student training and support, and policies.

For more than 6 years, Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has demonstrated its ability to redefine the community college commitment to open access for high school graduates. This article describes how, through the Career Edge Academies and The Workplace Learning Connection, high school students participate in a quality system of…

"Higher Education Counts" is the annual accountability report on Connecticut's state system of higher education, as required under Connecticut General Statutes Section 10a-6a. The report contains accountability measures developed through the Performance Measures Task Force and approved by the Board of Governors for Higher Education. The…

The goal of this study was to describe what motivates adult women enrolled in a community college to pursue higher education. Utilizing profile analysis and multiple regression analyses, this study investigated the extent to which gender, English as a first language, and age predicted the seven factors of the Education Participation Scale (A-form)…

Historically, first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities have had very high attrition rates at California Community Colleges and institutions of higher education in general. Based on figures compiled by the National Center for Educational Statistics in 2004, 4.5 million low-income, first-generation college students comprise…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to discover ways in which community college faculty and administrators can better facilitate learning for students with disabilities. Semi-structured interviews, preinterview questionnaires, and a review of relevant documents were used to gain an understanding of how community college faculty perceive…

The opportunities and challenges associated with establishing and sustaining successful chemistry-based technology programs were discussed at Equipping the 2015 Chemical Technology Workforce, a Presidential Event held at the Fall 2006 ACS National Meeting, kicking off an initiative by the same name. The initiative is based on the recent ACS…

This study examined the new learning that occurred in a professional development program for participants who aspire to the community college presidency. Knowledge construction occurred on three levels: personal, professional, and disciplinary. Reframing, embracing, and embodying activities toward knowledge construction were evident, and new…

By providing an affordable way to build and maintain a knowledgeable and skilled workforce, noncredit courses add value to people and their communities. Still, government leaders and other decisionmakers want to know: Exactly how much value do they add? Who benefits? What is the return on investment? Which programs are most effective and most…

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is the primary advocacy organization for the nation's community colleges, representing nearly 1,200 two-year, associate degree-granting institutions and more than 11 million students. Founded in 1920, AACC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association. This paper presents several facts about ACCC.

In this essay, the authors argue that only by sharing their mistakes and uncertainty can they fully reflect on their own process as teachers, only by understanding their process can they begin to identify the many factors that contribute to classroom messes in the first place, and only by acknowledging the perpetual messiness of their practice can…

This report observes that, while Maine's economy is changing at a rapid pace, its workforce is not, and to compete, Maine must dramatically increase the educational attainment levels of its citizens. Many of Maine's core industries face significant shortages of skilled workers, a shortage that is slowing the growth of the state's economy and…

Research briefly details the purpose of the Harry S. Truman administration's Commission on Higher Education for Democracy to support community colleges. Contrary to histories that define later origins in the 1960s, this paper makes an argument that the historical foundations of ideation for international education in community colleges originate…

The Machine Tool Program at Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kansas, is preparing students to become future leaders in the machining field, and the school recognizes the importance of sharing and celebrating those stories of success with the public to demonstrate the effectiveness of career and technical education (CTE) programs. Cowley College is…

The "Core Indicators of Effectiveness Report" delineates the performance of Wyoming's community colleges as measured by the 14 indicators set forth by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and adopted by the seven Wyoming community colleges and the Wyoming Community College Commission in 2002. These indicators, while…