Choosing a School

Disturbingly low standards at community colleges nationwide translate to lower chances of success in the job market after college, a new study finds. Researchers discovered that although community college instructors appear to be lowering the bar for first-year students, many were unable to even meet the lower academic standards in math and literacy. This dismal picture suggests multiple layers of reform may be necessary to ensure students are ready for the professional workforce at graduation time.

Report Gauges College and Career Readiness

The new report, titled, “What does it Really Mean to be College and Work Ready?” was compiled by the National Center on Education and the Economy. The non-profit groups studies academic standards, instructional systems and assessment. Researchers looked at seven community colleges in seven states, looking at tests, textbooks and assignments given to first-year college students. Colleges were chosen at random and school size ranged from 3,000 to 30,000 students, according to Inside Higher Ed.

The study focused on popular career training programs offered by community colleges across the country, including accounting and business, automotive technology, criminal justice, early childhood education and information technology. Researchers focused on first-year students in these programs, and focus was placed on reading, writing and mathematics skills necessary to master these early college courses.

Lower Standards Still Not Met by Many Students

Researchers discovered that the bar set by college instructors in first-year courses was fairly low in terms of both reading and writing expectations. However,

In the midst of major turnover from the top down, Pima Community College is now on probation. The Arizona school has been notified by its accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, that it has two years to turn things around or lose its accreditation status. With an executive team in limbo and reports of poor – and even unethical – management in recent years, it looks like Pima has its work cut out for the next two probationary years.

Problems from the Top Down

Tucson News Now reports that top administration officials may have initiated the problems at Pima that resulted in probation. The publication specifically cites allegations of sexual harassment against Ray Flores, the former chancellor of the school, which were left unaddressed by school administrators for several years. The commission investigating the school also found a “hostile working environment,” reported by many community college staff members.

Other issues reported by the Arizona Daily Star include corrupt contracting practices. Executives of the school have been accused of approving expensive contracts without going through the appropriate bidding process. Throughout the accusations of mismanagement, there is a common thread of a culture cultivated of “fear and retribution” and an ineffective governing body that failed to address concerns or manage situations that made it challenging to work at the college.

This video reports on Pima Community College facing probation.

Report Specifics

A community college campus is typically filled with adults of all ages, books, and backpacks in hand, moving from class to class. However, some community college campuses are adding a more youthful flavor to their ivied halls, with programs of all kinds designed for the younger set. Check out these innovative ways community colleges are giving younger students a taste of campus life, with special programs created just for them.

This video discusses recruiting strategies that work.

Science Olympiad Attracts Young Scientists

Mott Community College becomes a hot spot for young scientists every year when it hosts its annual Region V Science Olympiad. According to mLive, the event attracts middle and high school students from Livingston, Lapeer, Genesee, and Shiawassee. Students compete in a variety of events constructing machines, flying helicopters, and designing robotics.

High school students participate during morning events, and middle schoolers compete in the afternoon session. Many of the events are open to the public, and the event draws a crowd of parents, teachers, and interested community members. Students who come out on top in their events will advance to the state tournament of the Science Olympiad. The statewide event is to be held later this spring at Michigan University. There is also a national competition for those who do well in the state contests, which takes place at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, in May.

Budding

Community colleges have been diversifying their student populations in recent years to include students from other states and even other countries. Their appeal also expands as some two-year schools become known for specific programs, transfer agreements with four-year institutions, and even partnerships with local businesses. International students interested in a U.S. community college may enjoy several benefits but face unique challenges in realizing their higher education dreams.

Why International Students Choose Community College

There are several reasons why international students are looking at community colleges today, according to a report at U.S. News, including:

• Lower Tuition Rates – Students from a distance find affordable higher education through America’s community college system. For example, the U.S. News and World Report cites the average cost of 24 credits from Diablo Community College in California at around $6,000, while the same number of credits at San Jose State University, a neighboring four-year school, is around $16,500 for the same number of credits.
• Transfer Options – Many community colleges across the country now have transfer agreements with four-year schools, ensuring students who begin their education in a two-year program can finish their baccalaureate degree at a nearby institution.
• Smoother Transition – Students from other countries often find community college an easier transition to the American way of life. Many community colleges provide English language courses and other services to help international students adapt to a new language and culture.
• Easier Requirements – For international students who don’t have the

The perception of the value of a college degree appears to be evolving. As some students and their parents begin to focus on their return on investment (ROI), they are beginning to realize that graduating from a prestigious four-year school isn’t as glamorous as it seems. In addition, rising concern over increasing student debt has spurred questions about the best path to a profession. As the exploration continues, community colleges are starting to be seen as offering superior ROI for many students today.

The Value of a Four-Year Degree

PolicyMic reports on a recent analysis that looked at 1,248 four-year colleges and universities across the country. The study showed 28 percent of those four-year schools offered a negative ROI, which means students would have been better off financially if they had not gone to school at all! However, if those students had started their higher education at a community college and then transferred to a four-year school for their last two years, the negative ROI would have been reduced to 11.5 percent.

The best ROI from four-year schools often involved engineering programs. Schools like Colorado School of Mines, Georgia Tech, MIT, and Cal Tech reflect that trend. Ivy League schools also made the list for positive ROIs, demonstrating that high admission standards and a tradition of success do contribute to the value of postsecondary education. Other four-year schools did not always fare as well. For example, the last school on the list, Savannah College