Facing a cutthroat academic job market, many doctoral students are now willing to explore the possibility of a community-college career. And they have many questions. In Part 1 of this series, the author focused on the hiring process at two-year colleges and answered some common questions like "Do I have to have a Ph.D. to teach in that sector?"…

America is daily bombarded with reminders about how rough current economic times are, particularly in workforce development. Headlines scream, "Highest unemployment rate in 26 years" and "Jobs not likely to recover to pre-recession levels until 2012." In such an environment, it is easy to lose sight of serious underlying conditions affecting the…

This article explores the history of human capital in the United States in relation to scholarly study of the private economic returns to higher education. The focus of this study is the private economic returns to subbaccalaureate education in two-year community and technical colleges. This article argues that although there are some beneficial…

This article describes four factors that greatly affect the United States' labor market over the coming years. These are: (1) impending baby boomer retirements; (2) ongoing shifts in the country's demographic composition; (3) the greatly increased payoff on postsecondary education; and (4) the direct correlation between technological advances and…

Argues that, although the U.S. has dropped to sixth in the world in high school graduation rates and ranks last when comparing gains in enrolling youth in college during the last decade, the country still wins on economic measures. Adds that, because of sheer size, the U.S. also has more top students. (Contains 10 references.) (NB)

Argues that students in two-year technical programs need courses that train them in job and job-hunting skills. The transition from school to work can be difficult, and a job-skills class can prepare them for some of the changes inherent in the process. Itemizes job search strategies. (NB)

This paper outlines an agenda for research on postsecondary vocational education that can be carried out with existing data. A particular interest is encouraging research that can provide insight into the effects of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act 1998 (the Act). The paper begins with a brief review of relevant sections…

Examines central issues in the future of occupational education: uncertain enrollment patterns; changing instructional strategies and delivery systems; influences of national and international policies and technological advances on future employment markets; an uneasy economic climate; and collaboration with liberal arts faculty, government…

Presents an interview with Elaine Chao, United States Secretary of Labor, in which she suggests that, because of the information-based economy, education is a more vital element in the training of America's workforce than it has ever been. Discusses an initiative that will use high-tech tools to give Americans with disabilities greater access to…

This document examines what the literature says regarding adaptation of the American community college model to a global perspective. Institutions that draw parallels to U.S. community colleges can be found on almost every continent due to the increasing demand for extended educational opportunity and the need for technical training. When the…

Projected workforce requirements in 1990 were related to trends in degrees awarded. A Delphi panel discussed impacts of new technology and problems of technical worker supply in the field of communications, which was used as an example of a changing industry. Delphi participants were provided information about past employment and were told about…

The United States requires a coordinated, national approach to human resource development that will result in the establishment of priorities, detailed planning, and the full use of public and private resources backed by adequate state and federal funding. Problems of unemployment, underemployment, skilled worker shortages, national defense needs…

In this article, the author addresses a problem encountered in her own professional life as a teacher of writing in the context of computing, a teaching field often referred to as "computers and writing," "electronic writing," or "computer-assisted writing instruction." The problem she has observed has to do with teaching technology in a…

Summaries are provided of the presentations, discussions, and major conclusions of a conference convened in May 1983 to develop mechanisms for improving the linkages between industry and community colleges in California. Introductory material offers an overview of the conference's goals, employment training in California, and the role of the…

Two-year institutions of higher education have, in many ways, been anomalies in America's educational enterprise. Vocational education studies and assessments completed in 1981, 1989, and 1994 have all treated postsecondary vocational education primarily as more advanced versions of secondary programs and minimized the differences. Compared to…