From the Paper
"The community college has played a vital part in the overall system of public education for the United States for some time, providing students with a low-cost entry to college, with an alternative for some students, with a vocational program for those needing that type of training, and so on. The system has traditionally been an important part of the community, working with high schools and universities alike to provide added opportunity for the disadvantaged and those requiring additional classroom learning before going on to a four-year college or university. More recently, though, community colleges have been faced with many of the same financial pressures affecting other institutions of higher learning, and this along with increased enrollment has created a number of problems with which community ... "

Abstract
This paper reviews a study by Andrew M. Gill and Duane E. Leigh regarding the need for alternative models to use in evaluating California's community colleges. The arguments, data, methods, and findings are reviewed and critiqued. It is found that the research makes important points, but is incomplete. Specifically the data and analysis are strong, but the theoretical arguments are lacking.

From the Paper
"In their study of California's community college programs, Andrew Gil and Duane Leigh (2004) address the curricular approaches and emphases of California's community colleges in order to determine how these colleges are performing in relation to their missions and whether discernible differences exist in those missions. They also consider whether there is a definable standard by which to judge successful performance of colleges in relation to state expectations."

Tags:curriculum, performance, standards

Abstract
This paper examines the background of issues that gave rise to Proposition AA, the contents of Proposition AA itself and the proposition's critics. Proposition AA allows voters to decide whether to approve the financing for renovations at the district's nine community colleges, as well as construct new facilities that have been previously launched under Proposition A.

From the Paper
"Like many social service-oriented sectors of local government, the Los Angeles Community College District is facing severe financial challenges. California governor Gray Davis has announced $21 million in state budget cuts, potentially reducing even further the stretched resources of the community college system."

Tags:ballot, voters, california, gray, davis, college, budget, funding, bond, homeowner, associations

From the Paper
" The budget crisis in California has had an effect on many programs, agencies, and departments, including the educational system of which California has long been proud. California has long held out the opportunity for every qualified child to attend a publicly funded school from kindergarten through graduate school, and one of the linchpins of this system has been the community college or junior college system, providing opportunities for higher education to students whose high school grades may not qualify them for a four-year college as yet and for students who may not yet be financially able to attend a four-year college. These colleges have been especially hard hit by the budgetary crisis and have been harmed by measures taken to cope with it.
The definition of "community college" and the reasons for.."

From the Paper
"Introduction

The intention of this analysis is to provide an overview and evaluation of performance assessment, primarily in the California Community College system. This assessment process often includes several different factors such as student testing for placement, advising and counseling, and faculty evaluation of student capabilities on an in-class basis. Hopefully, the end result of this study will be a greater understanding of the contribution of the assessment process to student success.

Historical Background
Community colleges have always been more accessible than the larger public and private universities. During the 1960s and 1970s, pressure on the community college system led to "open ..."

Abstract
An explanation of how community colleges play a vital role in education today. It explains that they offer up to two years of college to students who might not otherwise be able to afford four years of college. It also states that they are convenient, located in the community so students can continue with the rest of their lives, including where they live and jobs they may currently hold.

From the Paper
"In the process, community colleges have opened the doors to college for all sectors of society. When the first community college was founded, four-year colleges tended to be elitist. Only students who came from well-to-do families could afford college, and many admitted males but not females (Walker, 2001). Community colleges made at least some college education available to all, including those with little money, those with family obligations that prevented them from going away to college, those with shaky academic records, and even those in need of remedial education in order to succeed in college (Walker, 2001). Since the end of World War II and the G.I. Bill, the age of college graduates has crept upwards. In 1970, only 10% of recent college graduates were age 24 - 34. However, in 1999, that group had grown to 21% (Erdman, 2000)."

Tags:university, study, society

Abstract
This paper discusses the benefits of attending a community college or two-year trade school before entering a four-year degree program. It suggests that this will offer the students the opportunity to sharpen their skills and personal interactions, as well as decide what their goals are for the future. The paper describes the history and evolution of community colleges.

From the Paper
"In addition, to appreciate the nature of community colleges' interconnectedness with other innovations in secondary and higher education, we need a full history of the institution, one that recognizes its early role in the preparation of teachers and its relationship to the restructuring of secondary education. As suggested elsewhere, community college development was not a socially or educationally isolated phenomenon. Original junior colleges came into being at the same time as, and were enabled by, the advent of kindergartens, middle schools, junior high schools, and compulsory secondary education ( Ratcliff ). To fully appreciate and analyze the role and scope of the community college in American higher education, it is necessary to consider all seven streams."

Tags:education, academic, graduate

Abstract
The paper relates that Sea Cliff is located in Aptos, California; the community is fairly affluent, with the average income approaching $80,000. Furthermore, the paper relates that the average parent who sends his or her child to Sea Cliff is a college graduate; this is a community that may be described as fairly privileged. The student in question is Robert Gomes; he is half-Mexican and half-Filipino.

From the Paper
"Sea Cliff is located in Aptos, California; the community is fairly affluent, with the average income approaching $80,000. Furthermore, the average parent who sends his or her child to Sea Cliff is a college graduate; this is a community that may be described as fairly privileged. The students: The student in question is Robert Gomes; he is half-Mexican and half-Filipino. The staff: Mrs. Kato has been teaching for 6 years and currently teaches first grade; she honours her first grade students and their..."

Tags:ethical, leadership, sea

Abstract
The paper first focuses on group counseling, particularly at the 6-7th grade level with direct references to California and a model program included. The paper then explores the role of public school counseling, particularly at the community college level.

From the Paper
"The American School Counseling Association notes that in a ". . . search for their own unique identity . . . (middle school student turn more and more frequently to peers than to parents) . . . for ideas and affirmation . . . (and put a) . . . heavy reliance on friends to provide comfort, understanding and approval" (Why Middle School Counselors, 2006). This simple reality about 6th and 7th graders explains why group counseling works with this age level, since it creates a situation where students with similar needs can gain advice and insight from peers, under..."

Tags:guidance, counselors, college

Abstract
"Volunteerism is often touted as an important component of the social fabric and as something that develops character in the volunteer while helping the community at large. Recently, Governor Davis of California has suggested requiring community service as part of the college experience and is exploring ways of bringing this about.

From the Paper
"Volunteerism is often touted as an important component of the social fabric and as something that develops character in the volunteer while helping the community at large. Recently, Governor Davis of California has suggested requiring community service as part of the college experience and is exploring ways of bringing this about. International managers have come to recognize that volunteerism among the staff does not take away from their business acumen or work ethic and instead helps develop open-mindedness and other virtues which can then be applied in the business situation, improving company morale rather than damaging it. Different commentators have had their specific reasons for suggesting that volunteerism should be pursued as a policy in society and in business, and many show how volunteering would be useful in improving the business ..."