INFORMATION NEEDS PERCEIVED AS IMPORTANT BY LEADERS IN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION: ALIGNMENT WITH COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES

The purpose of this study was to analyze what leaders of Advanced Technological Education (ATE) programs funded by the National Science Foundation believe are their most important needs for research information. Data was collected through a Delphi process, and results were analyzed through frameworks associated with program improvement initiatives for community colleges. In several ways, the information needs of the ATE program leaders and community college initiatives to improve programs, such as those found in accreditation standards, parallel one another. ATE leaders and national improvement principles share a) a concern with professional development and program improvement; b) an emphasis on student learning outcomes and the impact of instruction on the capacities of students; c) a dedication to expanding access to these cutting-edge programs; d) and a prime interest in curriculum development that meets pedagogical as well as technical advances and supports underprepared students.