Recently, a large number of state and national reports have focused on the issue of excellence in education. While none of these reports spotlights the community college, both those dealing with K-12 education and postsecondary education have implications for two-year colleges, especially as they relate to high school graduation requirements;…

Since 1901, there have been four generations of community college development. Between 1901 and 1930, community colleges were seen as an extension of high school, serving the college-age person by providing collegiate-level academic work or remediation to prepare the student for the junior year of college at a university. The second generation of…

Discusses the history of Washington's community colleges, which developed slowly due to lack of support. Describes the 1961 legislation that dramatically increased their growth by lifting restrictions on the number of colleges. Discusses the colleges' current financial struggles, arguing that Washington's economic climate may seriously impact…

In 1971, Washington was identified as one of the seven pacesetter states in the community college movement. Today, Washington ranks 48th nationwide in terms of state support for community colleges, with little hope that the economic situation will improve given the present tax structure. As a consequence, the lack of economic growth in the state…

Though financial cutbacks have necessitated drastic reductions in community college services in Washington and threaten accepted beliefs about missions, such as the provision of universal educational opportunity, it is important that trustees recognize that educational trends need not necessarily become educational realities. While studies, such…

Community colleges, if they are to be an alternative in higher education, must establish a role for themselves different from traditional higher education. The 1202 Commission created by the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, in which State commissions coordinate planning of postsecondary institutions, represent a threat to this new role. The…

A comprehensive investigation was conducted of the impact of the financial reductions that occurred during the 1979-81 and 1981-83 bienniums on the Washington state community college system. Data were obtained for fall quarters 1979 and 1982 to determine if there were significant differences between variables encompassing employee staffing levels,…

State legislative programs for community colleges are especially necessary in states where the colleges have no local tax base. The roles of the Washington State Board for Community College Education and the Joint Legislative Committee are described. (MSE)

Five major trends are shaping curricula in two-year colleges today, including clear shifts in emphasis from teaching to learning; from the college degree as a terminal point to learning as a lifelong activity; from solitary instruction to learning communities; from management to leadership; and from a national economy to a global economy. The…

An overview is provided of the challenges facing community colleges due to the shift from a global society shaped by political philosophies to a society shaped by economic powers. Introductory comments are followed by a description of recent changes in the world community, including the rise of Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and…

This reading list is intended to introduce to community college trustees the rich store of material available to a person who wishes to become--and remain--well informed about community colleges and the important public service role of trustees. It includes an annotated bibliography of pertinent periodicals and newspapers, as well as abstracts of…

A brief summary is presented of the administrative, instructional, and financial characteristics of Washington State's community colleges for fiscal year 1979. The report first discusses the major accomplishments achieved during this period, including the implementation of a course-by-newspaper and the completion of college-by-college agreements…