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.