
	Dr. Michael W. Kirst Michael W. Kirst is Professor Emeritus of Education and Business Administration at Stanford University since 1969. Dr. Kirst received his Ph.D. in political economy and government from Harvard. Before joining the Stanford University faculty, Dr. Kirst held several positions with the federal government, including Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Manpower, Employment and Poverty. He was a former president of the California State Board of Education. His book From High School to College with Andrea Venezia was published by Jossey Bass in 2004.



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My blog discusses the important and complex subjects of college completion, college success, student risk factors (for failing), college readiness, and academic preparation. I will explore the pieces of the college puzzle that heavily influence, if not determine, college success rates.

Two Year Colleges Come In Many Varieties

When people think of 2 year schools they usually refer to comprehensive community colleges that offer college transfer, career education, adult classes, and community service. But 2 year schools are varied and differ a lot by state. California, Texas, and Florida have comprehensive 2 year colleges, but in Florida there are a few 4 year degrees offered. Ohio has 2 year branches that are linked to a specific university like Miami; voc tech colleges with no transfer to 4 year ;agricultural colleges, and military schools.
The Southeast has technical colleges that are not part of community colleges and linked to specific vocations. For example, South Carolina has 16 two year technical colleges serving mostly low income students. For the first time SC has established a transfer path from the technical to its 4 year system http://www.thestate.com/ . Georgia has a vast technical college system that is run by a chancellor who is independent of all other post secondary education. The point is two year education policy is much more complex than most analysts think it is. These lowest tiers of postsecondary education deserve more attention and research.

Labels: two year colleges