Issues in Community College Funding MS Word PDF - This issue paper examines data from a 2004 survey, focusing on two issues within 11 states’ community college systems: (1) Does the state’s funding system take into account one-year spikes in student enrollment? (2) Does the state-funding system provide additional funding for high-cost programs such as nursing, pre-med or engineering? (Michael Griffith, Education Commission of the States, April 2005)...

State Policies on Community College Remedial Education: Findings from a National Survey PDF - Community colleges' success rate in preparing remedial students to enter and succeed in college-level work has profound implications for their effectiveness in expanding access to higher education. This paper presents findings from a survey of state higher education officials on policies the various states have established to guide and support remedial education at community colleges. (ECS Center for Community College Policy, Fall 2002)...

State Policies on Community College Workforce Development: Findings from a National Survey PDF - The vast majority of the more than 165,000 advanced certificates community colleges award are in job-related fields. This paper presents findings from a survey of state higher education officials on policies the various states have established to guide and support workforce development programs at community colleges. (ECS Center for Community College Policy, Fall 2002)...

Presidential Salaries at Two- and Four-Year Colleges MS Word - Recent reports of skyrocketing presidential salaries at private universities have led many policymakers to inquire about presidential salaries at public community colleges and universities. ECS surveyed community college state administrators and state association directors about the average salary for community college presidents in each state. (Evelyn Waiwaiole and Terese Rainwater, Education Commission of the States, March 2001)...

Higher Education in Michigan: Overcoming Challenges to Expand Access - This study focuses on three geographically diverse areas of Michigan: a suburban county, a large city, and six rural counties in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. Some consistent patterns were found: (1)The state's residents have found it increasingly difficult to succeed with a college degree; (2) It is extremely important to expand access to postsecondary education for the state's economic future; (3) In all three areas examined, barriers make it difficult for low-income and minority residents to earn a college degree. Recommendations include addressing college access at the state level; establish better and new relationships between two- and four-year institutions; develop better transportation systems; and expand healthcare and medical training to position Michigan as a leader in the industry. (Alisa Cunningham, Wendy Erisman and Shannon Loney, Institute for Higher Education Policy, March 2008)...

Investigating the Alignment of High School and Community College Assessments in California - This report examines the math and English expectations for high school students entering California's community colleges, and reveals the degree of alignment between what students master in high school versus what is expected for college-level work. (Richard Brown and David Niemi, The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, June 2007) ...

Community Colleges Generally are Consistent in Awarding College Credit for Certificate Programs - This paper reports the results of a survey of all 28 Florida community colleges and 43 technical centers meant to answer five questions: (1) How many technical centers and community colleges have local articulation agreements? (2) Do community colleges award varying amounts of credit for the same type of certificate programs? (3) What statewide articulation agreements exist and are in development? (4) How do the original state agreements compare to the existing local agreements? (5) How will community colleges respond to the statewide agreements? (Office of Program Policy Analysis & Government Accountability, April 2007)...

Final Report from the Task Force on Retention and Completion Rates at the Community Colleges - According to the national data (IPEDS), the average community college graduation rate for first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students in Massachusetts was 17.4% in 2005, as compared to the national average of 21.5%. A Massachusetts task force developed goals and recommendations to increase the success and educational goal attainment for all community college students. The three goals include: increase the graduation rate for first-time, full-time, degree seeking students who complete their program within seven years; develop comprehensive student success measures for all community college students; and leverage financial resources to implement task force recommendations. (Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, February 2007)...

State Approval Policies and Procedures for Postsecondary CTE Programs - How states approve new or review existing postsecondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs is not widely known outside a given state. This brief presents the results of a national study designed to inventory state agency approval policies and procedures for postsecondary CTE programs. The study provides a snapshot of a broad array of policies and procedures currently used by states to review and modify existing policies and procedures. (Rodney Merkley and George Johnston, Office of Community College Research and Leadership, 2007)...

“Putting Minds to Work” Pays Big Dividends! The Impact of Florida Community Colleges on Students’ Prosperity and the State’s Economy: A Solid Return on Investment - This report examines the impact of Florida’s community colleges on students’ prosperity and on the state’s economy. The state’s 28 community colleges have a broad mission and multiple responsibilities. They chiefly provide academic and technical degree education. Most of their students are part-time. Their average age is 27. During the 2004-05 fiscal year, more than 800,000 students sought educational enhancement through the community college system. (Necati Aydin, Florida Tax Watch, February 2006) ...