Access & Excellence: The Open-Door College

Drawing from an in-depth case study of the organizational climate, leadership, teaching, systems, programs, and student outcomes at Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC), this book addresses questions related to the achievement of both open access and high academic standards in the community college. Chapter I presents the rationale for the study and explains the Roueche-Baker Community College Excellence Model depicting the character of MDCC. Chapter II gives a brief history of MDCC and describes the social context of the educational reform program initiated by MDCC in 1975. Chapter III outlines the reforms initiated, planned, and implemented by the MDCC staff in eight basic areas: (1) curriculum, including general education courses; (2) assessment testing; (3) basic skills support; (4) Emphasis on Excellence, an honors program; (5) standards of academic progress; (6) Academic Alert, a feedback system about academic standing; (7) the computerized Advisement and Graduation Information System; and (8) faculty and staff development. Chapter IV presents the results and outcomes of these reforms. Chapters V, VI and VII presents findings regarding the organizational climate, leadership, and teaching at MDCC. Finally, chapter VIII summarizes the study findings. An eight-page reference list concludes the volume. (LAL)