In 2022, New Mexico joined the list of states that adopted a statewide promise program, offering tuition and fee assistance for eligible students to pursue higher education. The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship (NMOS) differs from existing programs by including part-time and summer enrollment, academic and workforce degrees, and older adult…

In this article, researchers from the Community College Research Center reflect on what they have learned from their study of Guided Pathways reforms at over 100 colleges nationally since the publication in 2015 of "Redesigning America's Community Colleges." They examine five areas of practice: (1) program design; (2) new student…

State aid for special education shapes local decisions about identifying students for special education, the programs and services to which students have access and in which students with disabilities are educated, and how local educators structure and administer their special education programs. The connection between state funding for special…

In 2006, Michigan changed their traditional merit award to a credit contingent program based upon successful completion of 60 college credits. The Michigan Promise Scholarship was crafted by state policymakers without input from the financial aid community. This case study suggests that the change in policy resulted in two unintended consequences:…

Describes how Rampano College preserved and redesigned its student affairs programs and services while being forced to manage statewide cutbacks in overall funding. Discusses how the Division of Student Affairs agreed upon concrete principles on how to best use resources and services, thereby meeting the challenges of the fiscal crisis while also…

Explores several questions facing policymakers addressing adequacy and equity issues. Do traditional equity issues disappear if equitable outcomes are achieved? What should adequacy standards look like? How does one design an equity-based school finance system? Can we define the production functions that will yield desired outcomes? Is the…

The University of Minnesota Medical School has developed a clinical education experience for third-year students that involves working directly with and supervision by general physicians practicing in rural areas. As of 1986, 57 percent of former program students in practice were in rural communities, most in Minnesota. (Author/MSE)

Focuses on key policy issues surrounding the provisions of state-funded prekindergarten programs. Issues examined include program standards, stability, and continuity; program funding; coordination and continuity of educational services; program eligibility; and the relationship between prekindergarten programs and educational reform. (Author/BB)

Predicts the nature of college fund-raising campaigns in 2007, based on recent trends. Notes that campaigns will be shaped by student enrollment growth, competition for diminishing public dollars, and polarization of American incomes. Argues that campaigns should only be long enough to meet objectives, fit within a long-range advancement plan, and…