Community and technical colleges serve a vital function in STEM education by training workers for medium- and high-skilled technical careers and providing employers the labor necessary to operate and maintain thriving business ventures. A curriculum developed with the elements of a systems-based approach results in a program more relevant to the…

This study utilizes a mixed methods exploratory design to examine the nature of math faculty engagement in the student learning outcomes assessment cycle. The focus of the study is on the types of changes that math faculty are implementing as a result of assessment outcomes and the institutional environmental factors that impact faculty engagement…

We did not set out in 1999 to create a national curricular reform project. We started by wanting to make a local impact on our campus, and the project grew slowly and steadily to the current national MAC3 project coordinated by AMATYC. Over recent years we've been asked how MAC3 evolved. In this article we hope to share our experience as leaders…

The adult basic education field in the United States is now being encouraged to shift to a "career pathways" orientation by policy research organizations, federal and state agencies, community college organizations, business groups, and private foundations. In such an approach, adult basic education programs work with workforce…

This collection of articles addresses the role of community colleges in serving the specialized interests of organized community groups. After introductory comments on the topic, Seymour Eskow discusses how societal changes necessitate a reexamination of the role of the community college and an increased orientation to community organizations.…

Part of an effort to increase the capacity of local citizens to address critical issues facing their communities, this paper reports on a project to develop and test a replicable process for organizing community forums at community colleges. Following introductory remarks, the first section discusses the role of the community college in community…

Arguing that the nation's educational system must be renewed to empower citizens and communities, this two-part monograph describes the importance of building learning communities and offers a blueprint to guide community colleges in this undertaking. The first part of the monograph provides three chapters focusing on creating a vision for the…

Advisory committees are important liaisons between colleges and their communities. If a college is truly interested in serving its community, it should utilize advisory committees to advise it on matters of curriculum planning. Following a detailed discussion of the various aspects of advisory committee selection and functioning, the author…

The goal of this study was to obtain feedback from relevant community businesses regarding skills needed by employees in Sustainable Technologies. Survey results will help design the innovative Sustainable Technologies curriculum, which is under development at the Maui Community College. In the fall 1999 semester, the Sustainable Technologies…

To gather information for Maui Community College's (MCC's), on the Multi-Ethnic Island of Lana'i. fall 1992 of students and residents of the island of Lana'i to assess community interests and educational needs. Responses were received from 232 Lana'i residents, of whom 49% were current or former students, 31% were male, and 84% were employed.…

Reviews the relationship between higher education and the community, proposing an alternative mission for urban community colleges. Recommends the training and involvement of community professionals as linkage agents, independent contractors/enablers, community consultants, change agents, and adult educators. Outlines problem areas in rapidly…

DURING A 19-MONTH SPAN OF TIME, MIDDLESEX COUNTY COLLEGE (NEW JERSEY) ATTEMPTED TO (1) IDENTIFY QUALIFIED YOUTH WITH EXCEPTIONAL FINANCIAL NEED AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO COMPLETE SECONDARY SCHOOL AND UNDERTAKE POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL TRAINING WITHIN A COMMUNITY COLLEGE, (2) PUBLICLY EXHIBIT FORMS OF FINANCIAL AID FURNISHED THROUGH FEDERAL, STATE,…

Recognizing the need to be proactive in redefining the role of nursing and allied health practitioners at the associate degree level and transforming curricula to meet the changing demands of health care, the Division of Health Technologies at Northern Virginia Community College, in partnership with local community agencies, implemented the Mobile…

Service-learning is a pedagogy that combines community service with academic instruction, focusing on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. This guide is designed to foster the development of service-learning programs at community colleges and presents experiences, ideas, and lessons learned from existing programs. First, reasons…

Argues for the incorporation of community services and continuing education into the mission and practice of community colleges. Considers the role that program administrators have played in further isolating community services. Discusses issues related to community relations, professional development, and resource allocation. (DMM)