The College Puzzle Blog
Prior PostingsAbout
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.

Foundations Pour Money Into Community College Improvement

Gates is the latest foundation to announce a big focus on community colleges. But many others came earlier- Hewlett , Lumina, Irvine, Hass, Nellie Mae to name some. But will this grant giving make a difference? Katy Haycock of Education Trust contends more money would be better spent in 4 year colleges where minorities have a much greater chance of college completion. But minorities are most concentrated in community colleges- where 80% of Latinos attend in Ca. So we need to evaluate carefully how successful these foundations are in improving community colleges.
All of this foundation interest means policy scholars need to pay more attention to this field. So do universities most of whom have scant interest in preparing community college leaders.

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