Professionalism in the context of public sector professions is a changing concept, which is subject to different interpretations. The sociologist Julia Evetts has developed two models, occupational and organisational professionalism, which are useful conceptual tools which help us to understand from a wider theoretical perspective the changing…

The author's previous articles for "FORUM," some co-authored with Dr. Andrew Allen, propose a radical restructuring of English schooling to enable more effective engagement with the community and a reassessment of the purposes of schooling. What follow here are a few suggestions that individual schools and academy trusts might take up to…

Newark, New Jersey has been at the forefront of school reform from the civil rights era through more recent efforts to resist neoliberal school reform approaches during the 2010s. Drawing on interviews with activists, policymakers, and school reformers, this paper documents the history of community organizing as a strategy to improve conditions in…

School violence is a global concern (UNESCO, 2022) with prolific consequences due to its lifelong psychological impact. Violence will continue to afflict human populations due to its underlying psychology, but this can be tempered by culture and other environmental factors. Violence is part of human nature and has an evolutionary basis rooted in…

This article takes up an ANTian sensibility to explore the enactment of a policy for educational collaboration in one region in the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand (New Zealand). The case offers potential for considering the benefits of a sociology of associations (Latour 2005/2007): a Treaty-based bicultural nation, school atomisation…

Community colleges represent a main pathway for students seeking to earn bachelor's degrees. This path allows students who may be unable to enter a 4-year university to gain access to higher education, often at a decreased cost. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students are utilizing this pathway as state and federal…

Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) is a federal designation for institutions of higher education that meet a threshold of enrolling 25 percent or more of Hispanic/Latinx undergraduate students as well as thresholds for Pell-eligible students and per capita expenditures. Using a conceptual "servingness" framework (Garcia et al., 2019, p.…

In 2020, Kentucky embarked on a journey to transform teaching and learning in the state through its "United We Learn" initiative. As a result of that work, Kentucky learning communities are making significant strides toward innovative deeper learning practices. In Aurora Institute's glossary, the term "deeper learning"…

For far too long in California, remedial courses in California Community Colleges meant costly barriers to student success. Fortunately, recent legislation -- Assembly Bill 705 signed into law in 2017 -- requires these colleges to eliminate remedial courses and instead use research-backed strategies like corequisite support to help students…

Coaches are trusted advisors, information conduits, sounding boards, and advocates who facilitate institutional change. This report summarizes findings from the first five years of the Student Success Center Network's Coaching Program, focusing particularly on the most recent phase that engaged directly with Centers in four states (California,…

The chapters in this volume of "New Directions for Community Colleges" highlight the intended roles of boards of trustees and illustrate areas in which board relations often go awry. This final manuscript brings together the themes of the volume, highlights lessons learned and presents recommendations moving forward. The challenges…

Change is a constant both in life and on the typical community college campus. Two-year institutions are constantly adjusting to demographic transitions, workforce needs and the ever-shifting requirements of underserved enrollees. Flexibility around service may also call for internal change. Some community colleges have rebranded their names--a…

Disruptions in today's higher education landscape require a different approach to community college leadership. Fostering innovation demands leaders adopt practices that seed an innovative mindset and build an innovative culture more resilient to changing circumstances. Using the Innovator's DNA model provides actionable strategies for…

Community colleges hold a central piece in law enforcement training. Their curricula often based on mandates from state law enforcement boards. They had been gradually increasing their focus of these training programs on issues related to diversity, equity and racial profiling. This spotlight has led to changes (or potential changes) in areas like…

Manifest challenges to physical education teachers merit identification, analysis, and strategic action. New designs for schools, threats to the well-being of a growing number of children and families, and financial problems confronting school systems are among the external challenges. Meanwhile, too many physical education teachers confront…