In this study, the authors focus on the initiation and development of the Alamo Academies, aiming to illustrate an exemplary industry-driven model that addresses workforce development in local community. After a brief introduction of the context, the authors summarized major factors that contribute to the success of the collaboration model,…

"Voices from the Field: Collaborative Innovations in Early Childhood Educator Preparation" is jointly published by the Illinois Education Research Council (IERC) and the Illinois Board of Education (IBHE), and highlights the accomplished work of many of the state's two- and four-year faculty to redesign early childhood educator…

Discusses the changing role of instruction at community colleges in the context of the characteristics of community college learners, the knowledge revolution and corresponding new roles of education and business, and the changing nature of work. Provides eight recommendations for ensuring that colleges remain leaders in workforce training. (AJL)

With respect to the educational attainment of students and skill levels of the labor force, America cannot compete well on an international stage. Comparative international examinations reveal that American students know less than their counterparts in other advanced industrial countries. To help improve students' skill and educational levels, the…

Describes author's transition from community college to private sector. Offers insights on increasing productivity in both realms, such as enhanced customer focus, high quality educational programs, and improved career guidance, preparation, and placement. (YKH)

Argues that workforce and economic development in urban areas are linked and that community colleges must develop new strategies to meet these challenges. Reviews urban trends and advocates focusing on the demand side of the labor market, or getting employers to become driving forces in shaping job preparation. (AJL)

During the 1999-2000 program year, the Division of Economic and Workforce Development attempted to further the North Carolina Community College System's (NCCCS) tradition of excellence by modeling key strategies of the business sector. These strategies included: (1) Economies of scale, a term that refers to unit cost decreasing as number of units…

A 1996 study of employers across the United States confirmed the valuable role that community colleges play in providing workforce training. To continue performing that role, community colleges must take into account emerging factors that will change the role of instruction. These factors include the characteristics of the continuum of learners…

This is the report of the 2000 New Mexico Association of Community Colleges (NMACC) Strategic Planning Conference. Participants worked in small groups to identify the most probable and the most desirable world for the year 2000. Results for the most probable world include: (1) education would be available to many consumers, using many delivery…

To maintain public support, higher education in Missouri must make significant changes in the next few years, changes which will place the state's community colleges in a unique leadership position. Specifically, several pressing short, medium, and long-range issues facing the state's community colleges can be identified. Short-range issues…

Macomb Community College (MCC) in Warren, Michigan, has a commitment to support business and industrial development, consequent employee retraining, and program design. In addition to helping workers in their retraining and/or relocation, the college provides systematic support in the development of basic skills. Occupational programs have tended…

This proceedings contains reports from nine states on welfare reform efforts and their effects on community colleges. Reports are presented from the following states: (1) South Carolina, reviewing the state's efforts to create an alliance with local businesses to train a self-sufficient work force; (2) Wyoming, revealing that a skills training…

Friesland College (FC) in the province of Friesland, the Netherlands, provides students with an array of vocational education, including full-time senior secondary vocational education in 3- or 4-year programs; 2-year programs of full-time short courses; and an apprenticeship system, in which students learn a trade at a company while attending the…

This report describes how Nova University started the Ed.D. Programs for Higher Education with a focus on preparing community college personnel. The Vocational, Technical, and Occupational Education (VTO) specialization consisted of two seminars: Personnel--Human Resources Development (P-HRD) and Emergence of VTO. The program focused on preparing…

The United States will not be competitive in the global economy of the 21st century without a technically trained work force. Community colleges and secondary schools offering technical programs are becoming increasingly important to local businesses as companies rely on a combination of schools and on-the-job training to help their employees…