The extent to which the Open University has achieved its goal of openness is assessed in terms of three policy areas (administrative, educational, and informational) and of graduates' success. It is proposed that an even more open policy is now needed. (MSE)

Discussion at a 1990 symposium on democratic values and higher education administration is summarized. Issues addressed include productive competition in higher education, open access vs. competitive selection, assessment of teacher performance and instructional quality, and the relationship between higher education institutions and national…

A comparison of the reading skills assessment programs at three community colleges in Virginia and New Jersey is presented as part of an examination of the kinds of placement decisions that are made from assessment test data. Introductory comments focus on the controversy surrounding the growing emphasis on skills assessment in open-door community…

A project was undertaken in 1970-76 whose principal purpose was to study the prospects of two-way communication between an administrative authority (the office of the chancellor of the Swedish universities) and the general public (prospective students in the national plan for wider admissions). It grew out of criticism of a proposed national…

A key to the movement toward open access to higher education has been the growth of public community colleges, which are reexamining their priorities, resources, and missions. The need for "people's colleges" to reconcile their concern for quality with their commitment to open access is discussed. (MLW)

A study of persistence/dropout among open admissions college students found: (1) accurate predictions cannot be made for individual students at the time of matriculation; and (2) it is possible to predict that about 80 percent of future groups will fall in the persist category after two semesters, 51 percent after four semesters. (CMG)

Many school districts and states are examining parental choice as a means of improving public education. This document identifies various forms of school choice and describes existing programs across the United States. Within the public school system, choice programs fall into two basic categories--intra-district and cross-district. Intra-district…

Between now and the end of this century, the People's Republic of China will attempt to become an international economic superpower by attempting to quadruple industrial and agricultural production. The Chinese educational system is the primary institutional partner with the government in this venture. After a decade of confusion and decline in…

In support of a legislative evaluation of the degree to which Colorado's institutions of higher education should be accessible to the state's citizens, this paper reviews the barriers to student access and outlines the position of the Colorado State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education regarding the role of the community…

Modeled on the British Open University, Everyman's has adapted the idea of learning at a distance to Israel's particular needs. Focus is on self-instructional texts and kits and home laboratories for courses like electronics. Students also get staff help, have radio or television lessons, and attend regional study centers. (LBH)

Externally imposed enrollment limits and resultant reduced funding will effect the type of student recruited by community colleges. Should the non-traditional, high risk student be discouraged from enrolling, the consequences for educational as well as national social policy appear great. (LH)

Reviews college admissions policies as they may be affected by court decisions. Deals specifically with Bakke v. Regents of the University of California, Hupart v. Board of Higher Education of the City of New York, Griggs v. Duke Power Co., the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Washington v. Davis. (RT)

Looks at the special problems of mathematics instructors in providing remediation for students who are unprepared for college-level work. Considers issues related to assessment, stopouts' course-taking patterns, peer pressures, and remediation. (DMM)

Provides an overview of the content and contributions of Dale Parnell's book, "The Neglected Majority." Highlights Parnell's concern with those high school graduates who will not pursue baccalaureate degrees and his proposals and recommendations for improving the cooperative relations between high schools and community colleges. (LAL)

Discusses the persistent questioning of the community college's open-door tradition in the 1980's. Considers the community college missions as originally defined, the effects of declining funding and credibility, and evidence of and strategies to prevent the closing of the open door. Explains Miami-Dade Community College's educational reforms in…