Noting that access to higher education has expanded dramatically in the past several decades, Sara Goldrick-Rab and Kia Sorensen focus on how unmarried parents fare once they enter college. Contrary to the expectation that access to college consistently promotes family stability and economic security, the authors argue that deficiencies in current…

In accordance with legislative mandate, the Office of the Chancellor for California Community Colleges is seeking to develop principles and policies regarding credit/noncredit courses. This progress report outlines six principles on credit/noncredit determination which include the requirements that: (1) credit/noncredit status be determined by…

Perspectives on accountability in higher education are considered. It is suggested that educational targeting be undertaken: a coalition of planners, financers, and deliverers of postsecondary education should establish goals to meet perceived societal needs. Out of these goal statements, priorities for state funding could be established and…

Argues that community colleges give less attention to noncredit courses and programs, those that are designed to assist in some sort of job training or those that simply enrich a student's knowledge. Sees this credit-based value system as highlighting the discrepancy between what community colleges offer and what students, especially older ones,…

This report presents a perspective and analysis of the current state and future direction of the state higher education system in Virginia and recommends a comprehensive legislative package that will ensure the quality and economic viability of Virginia's system into the next century. Concerns about educational quality and state commitment to…

Approaches to cooperation between colleges and schools in serving students capable of advanced work are examined. Two major ways of serving bright high school students within their own schools in coordination with colleges are: programs developed by individual colleges with particular high schools, and the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP)…