psychology research praposal

Best Practices in Disability Service Offices in Community Colleges

Introduction

Business leaders have noted the growing need for skilled workers (Kuehl, 2009). Carnevale, Smith, and Strohl (2012) emphasized that a credential has become increasingly important as national statistics suggest the future job market will require workers with higher levels of skills, often skills that require proof in the form of credentials. Mirroring national needs, Texas state government leaders have recognized the ongoing need for workers with technical abilities (Texas Workforce Investment Council, 2013). Carnevale, Smith, and Strohl (2012) polled individuals across the country to determine whatskill levels were required to perform a job. The current project is to identify the strengths and limitations of there research.

Statement of the Problem

Colleges and universities nationwide have been placed under increasing pressure to demonstrate student success as a requisite for funding (Diamond, 2012). Documenting evidence of increased positive outcomes has become crucial to institutions, calling for special attention to populations who have historically shown the greatest risk of failing to gain a positive outcome (Lombardi, et al., 2012; DeRigne, 2012). Garrison-Wade (2012) noted that individuals with disabilities comprise a population that continues to have a high risk of failing to complete a postsecondary credential. Understanding methods to improve the success and engagement of students with disabilities is critical not only in aiding the individual to fully actualize his or her potential, but also in securing funding for the institution, and in addressing the needs within the economy for greater numbers of skilled workers (Barlevy, 2011). Further, improving the success of all students regardless of ethnicity, gender, or the presence of a disability will be required to achieve former President Obama’s goal of having the nation with the most educated workforce by 2020.

References

Barlevy, G. (2011). Evaluating the role of labor market mismatch in rising unemployment. Economic Perspectives, (3), 82.

Borden, C., Richardson, P., & Meyer, S. J. (2012). Establishing successful postsecondary academic programs: A practical guide. Journal of Correctional Education, 63(2), 6-26.

Boulard, G. (2009). The big squeeze: faced with dwindling funding, state colleges and universities are trying to come up with their own solutions to budget challenges. State Legislatures, (5), 12.

Carnevale, A. P., Smith, N., & Strohl, J. (2010). Help wanted: Projections of jobs and education requirements through 2018. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.

Diamond, L. (2012). Higher education: College funding changes focus: State money would be tied to graduation rates - not to enrollment. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, GA).

Fingerhut, E. & Kazis, R. (2012). Tying funding to community college outcomes: Models, tools, and recommendations for states. Washington, DC. Jobs for the Future.

Garrison-Wade, D. F. (2012). Listening to their voices: Factors that inhibit or enhance postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities. International Journal of Special Education, 27(2), 113-125.