This mixed-method study explored the alignment of expected student learning outcomes (SLOs) and expected student entrance skills, as stated within "course outlines of record" (CORs), for basic skills courses in one California community college district. Researchers evaluated consistencies and discrepancies in course alignment. There were…

Potential students hoping to gauge the quality of courses at Portland State University might be forgiven for feeling confused. On the one hand, the University Studies program, which uses interdisciplinary seminars during the first two years to develop students' core skills, has been widely praised and emulated. The Council for Higher Education…

The main objective of the authors' proposed study is to evaluate the effectiveness of math placement policies for entering community college students on these students' academic success in math, and their transfer and graduation rates. The main research question that guides the proposed study is: What are the effects of various basic skills…

As educators, government officials, and foundations leaders have embraced the agenda of dramatically increasing college success and credential completion, they have come to understand the need for better data on student outcomes to guide the improvement efforts of institutions, systems, and states. The data on degree completion and other final…

This paper discusses the importance of institutionalizing practices that promote equitable outcomes for all students within the vast California Community College (CCC) system. The CCC system, which annually provides educational opportunities for almost three million students, exists at the heart of the state economy and future labor pool. Because…

There is a need for a stronger program of consumer studies in California's schools, and each year this need becomes more pressing. It is a confusing time for the American consumers; complex products are frequently hard to evaluate, and the nature of the marketplace is impersonal. According to a study released by the U.S. Office of Education, more…

Description of a model physical education program involving new patterns of administrative and instructional policy set up with funds provided under Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (Author)

Defines skill, performance, and competency, relates the concept of competency based education to the intent of the Hart Bill, the Stull Bill or AB 65, i.e., to insure that students master and perform basic skills of communication and computation, and considers some underlying assumptions that are the basis of educational legislation. (Author/RK)

Policies, relevant enrollment data, and plans of action for recruiting and retaining minority students are presented in a student affirmative action plan for the California community colleges. After introductory material outlining the goals of student affirmative action and the legal responsibility of state and district educational authorities to…