In an effort to identify effective transfer practices appropriate to different community college circumstances, and to establish a quantitative database that would enable valid comparisons of transfer between their 28 member institutions, the National Effective Transfer Consortium (NETC) sponsored a survey of more than 30,000 students attending NETC colleges. A database was created containing responses from 14,000 students, representing a 44% response rate. Additional data were added on ethnicity, gender, age, and enrollment status on all credit enrollees from each member college for spring and fall 1988, amounting to information on almost 300,000 students in 13 states. This report presents the results of the first year's research efforts of the NETC. Chapter 1 reviews the inadequacies of the most common current approach to measuring transfer rates, proposes a new definition of transfer rate, and presents findings from the study in support of the new measurement. Chapter 2 uses data obtained from the NETC colleges to illustrate the possibility of calculating an expected transfer rate range for any college or group of colleges. Chapter 3 considers the different propensities to transfer of different types of students, and discusses a new way to measure transfer effectiveness based on this insight. Chapters 4 and 5 review organizational issues and transfer practices and strategies that colleges must consider in order to achieve high transfer effectiveness. Chapter 6 sketches a specific approach colleges can use to enhance their transfer function. Appendixes contain an overview of the study methods, the questionnaire, and a brief portrait of each of the member colleges of NETC. (GFW)

This reference provides a comprehensive treatment of all aspects of the community college in America. The volume contains broad sections on the historical development of community colleges, their mission and functions, curriculum and instruction, managerial concerns, financial issues, human resources, faculty, students, and the context in which they operate. Roughly 50 chapters, prepared by expert contributors, summarize and synthesize available research on particular topics and discuss those issues critical to the future of the community college in America. Each chapter provides detailed, bibliographic references and the volume concludes with an informative, bibliographical essay. A massive synthesis of research on theory and practice, this reference will be valued by everyone interested in the past, present, and future of the community college in America.