Because of their special ties to the community, community-based organizations (CBOs) are often able to be more responsive to the needs of local or special populations than can mainstream institutions such as schools and government-funded employment services. CBOs such as Service Employment Redevelopment (SER), the National Urban League, and…

At a time of widespread public cynicism about social institutions, America's community colleges are striving to reconnect with the communities they serve and function as catalysts for community renewal. In a recent national survey, about a third of the colleges questioned had formalized service learning in their course work, and nearly half…

This CRitical Issues Bibliography focuses on higher education partnerships with the community. It is divided into: (1) general resources about the value of community and college partnerships and trends related to these collaborations; (2) model programs and best practices from programs and institutions that engage particular communities; and (3)…

The concept of socioeconomic impact, as it relates to two-year colleges, is examined in terms of studies that have been conducted. Measures of socioeconomic impact, such as personal income, occupational status, levels of education, are discussed and studies focusing on these measures are cited. Additional studies are pointed to which define…

Appropriate and inappropriate uses of the strategic planning concept are identified, and significant literature on the subject is reviewed that gives both conceptual and practical guidelines. Included is a series of very simple to more complex planning models that colleges and universities can adopt or modify, depending on their circumstances, to…

Presents a case study of an assessment project designed to evaluate the Ford Foundation's Urban Partnership Program (UPP). Discusses UPP's assessment model and theory, and documents the project's yearly progress since its inception in 1992. Details UPP's goals and outcomes in assisting at-risk students. (EMH)

The educational approaches, programs, and services developed for American Indians at both tribal colleges and non-tribal community colleges can be used as models by other institutions seeking to serve minority populations better. The community college is an important avenue for American Indians pursuing postsecondary degrees; in 1988, 50,400 of…

Examines recent trends in general education, discussing its importance, definitions of general education, and its inconsistent status. Provides three examples of successful general education programs, as well as an ideal model for a community college program. (AYC)

This digest summarizes a full length report on preparing college students for citizenship responsibilities. The following questions are considered: What is citizenship and public life? What is higher education's role in educating for citizenship? and what are the skills for a renewed civic life?. The importance of citizens integrating their public…

Reviews ERIC literature on selected topics related to community college governance, including bureaucratic, collegium, and political models of governance; organizational roots of community colleges; faculty participation in governance; and legislative shared authority. (DMM)

Cites ERIC documents and journal articles dealing with general education planning and programing in the community college. Focuses on the general education agenda, curriculum and course development, general education in vocational programs, guidelines and models, and practices. (DMM)

The monograph, written for persons and organizations at state and local levels who share concern about learning activities for adults in rural America, explores characteristics of three traditional providers of nonformal education (the Cooperative Extension Service, public libraries, and community service divisions of community colleges), assesses…

Although most educators agree that the primary goal of education is student achievement, many believe that this goal has become incongruent with the way that educational institutions function. Community college professionals, in particular, have taken the lead in proposing a new paradigm of learning for the educational process. This digest will…

While there is general consensus on the importance of good academic advising to student success and support for the American College Testing Program's developmental concept of advising, there is less agreement on the most effective model for delivery. Research suggests that both faculty-oriented advising and professional counselor-oriented systems…

Accountability has been a developing issue for community colleges for the past several years. Demands that two-year colleges provide evidence of the achievement of their goals has placed a heavy burden on institutional research offices. A number of organizational models have been used by community colleges in carrying out the research function,…