In the landscape of American higher education, community colleges play a crucial role. With over 1,200 institutions enrolling more than ten million students annually, these colleges represent nearly half of the nation’s undergraduate population. However, a troubling statistic persists: fewer than 40 percent of students completing their degree within six years. This pressing issue has prompted a call to action among community colleges to enhance academic outcomes for their students.

‘Redesigning America’s Community Colleges: A Clearer Path to Student Success,’ published by Harvard University Press, serves as a concise, evidence-based guide targeted at educational leaders. The book highlights the systemic issues that have historically plagued community colleges, which often receive minimal attention in academic and policy discussions.

The authors argue that two-year colleges have the potential to significantly improve their student success rates. However, this requires a paradigm shift in how they organize their programs of study, support services, and instructional methodologies. Traditionally, community colleges were established to broaden college enrollment at a low cost rather than to maximize the completion of high-quality academic programs. This resulted in a cafeteria-style model where students navigate a bewildering array of course options with little guidance.

To combat this issue, the authors advocate for the adoption of ‘guided pathways’ – a model that offers clearer and more coherent educational programs. These pathways simplify students’ choices while maintaining a range of options, ultimately enabling them to complete their credentials and advance to further education or the labor market more efficiently and affordably.

Drawing from extensive data collected by the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, this book outlines a fundamental redesign of how two-year colleges operate. It emphasizes the importance of integrating services and instruction into more structured programs of study. This approach is intended to support students in achieving their educational goals, whether that involves completing a degree, obtaining a certificate, or preparing for a successful career.

The implications of this book extend beyond individual institutions; they resonate throughout the broader educational landscape. By adopting the principles outlined in ‘Redesigning America’s Community Colleges,’ educational leaders and policymakers can foster an environment that prioritizes student achievement and success. The path forward is clear: community colleges must evolve and embrace new strategies that empower students to thrive in their academic and professional endeavors.