WE KNOW WHAT WORKS

Nancy Shulock doesn't think community colleges should get more money -- that is, without also implementing some major policy changes. She argues that we already know how to improve transfer and completion rates at community colleges but sometimes lack the political will to do so. In this podcast, Professor Shulock, Executive Director of the Institute for Higher Education Leadership and Policy at Sacramento State University, offers insights that have upset some community college leaders.

Duration: 15:55
Transcript: 124KB PDF

Podcast Producer: Jane Renaud

SECOND CLASS

Most students at Los Angeles Trade and Tech aren't seeking to transfer to a four-year school. Instead, they enroll to gain critical job training. Vice President of Academic Affairs Marcy Drummond discusses the challenges of running Trade Tech, and why she believes her institution is a "second class citizen."

Duration: 13:30
Transcript: 133KB PDF

Podcast Producers: Amanda Morales and Jane Renaud
Podcast Editor: Jane Renaud

A RIGHT TO FAIL?, PART 2

In subjects that are notoriously hard to teach -- remedial reading and writing -- Joliet Junior College Professors Edy Alderson and Kathleen Perryman are remarkably successful. They believe in telephoning their students when they don't come to class, learning through games, and offering rewards like chocolate bars. Should a remedial teacher teach differently than she would in a college level course?

Duration: 15:11
Transcript: 208KB PDF

Podcast Producer: Jane Renaud
Podcast Editor: Christine Umali

A RIGHT TO FAIL?, PART 1

Professor Steve Zuro says that a student with a healthy work ethic will never fail his class. But in his four remedial math classes at Joliet Junior College last semester, fewer than half of the students did well enough to advance to the next level. Do the students shoulder the responsibility for this dismal performance, is the system broken, or is there another explanation? The debate continues in this week's podcast.

Duration: 12:14
Transcript: 128KB PDF

Podcast Producer: Jane Renaud
Podcast Editor: Christine Umali

ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE?

Community colleges are the fastest growing segment of American higher education. They serve a remarkably diverse population: students ranging in age from 17-90, many low-income students, many with families and full-time jobs, many speaking different languages. And community colleges do it all with fewer dollars per student than even K-12 schools. Ed Coulter of Arkansas State College Mountain Home says, "We’re where the action is." Listen in while he and two other community college presidents, Margaret Ford of Houston Community College and Raul Ramirez of Pima Community College, talk with John Merrow about their "hot button" issues.

Duration: 25:00

Podcast Producers: Shae Isaacs, Valerie Visconti and Jane Renaud
Podcast Editor: Valerie Visconti