ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on recent developments in American community colleges, specifically examining major new policy initiatives in several large public higher education systems. It examines the incredible need for reform and two programs, Accelerated Study in Associate Program and Guttman Community College, that were designed and launched in the first decade of the 21st century to help students graduate on time and, if desired, transfer to a four-year college. The book explains how the Tennessee Promise program evolved within the state legislature, its stipulations for students, and plans for its growth. It discusses how the Florida community colleges coped with the new policy including early evaluations of student outcomes. The book provides insights for policy makers and educators hoping to be informed about current strategies that are evolving in community colleges.
