This study examined the outsourcing of instruction at community colleges to independent firms—a growing but still limited practice largely confined to noncredit courses. CCRC conducted interviews with community college administrators and representatives of contracting firms, as well as with the persons responsible for managing contracts with outside organizations for instructional services at 11 community colleges. Researchers also interviewed senior managers from two firms that provide instructional services under contract to community colleges. This exploratory research was designed to identify the characteristics of the outsourcing of instruction at community colleges and the forces that promote or block its spread.
This study was funded by the National Center for Postsecondary Improvement for the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education.