مدخل استراتيجي لتحقيق التكامل بين وظائف كليات المجتمع السعودية ومتطلبات خطط التنمية
The aims of this study were to investigate the extent to which the first four functions of Saudi community colleges which are providing students with both higher and pre-university education; enabling students to transfer to Bachelor programs after completing the preparatory program; preparing students for jobs and meeting the requirements of labor market; and Providing continuing education, are achieved, another goal is to identify the potential ways which can achieve the first four functions of community colleges and finally to propose a strategic plan to develop the local community colleges. To achieve the goals of the study, two methods of the descriptive approach were used; documentary and survey. A cluster sampling; three community colleges located in main areas (Riyadh - Jeddah -Dammar) were selected. Respondents were faculty members and students in the three colleges. In addition, members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the areas of the colleges as representatives of the private sector, as well as members of Saudi Association of Community Colleges, deans and vice deans of Saudi community colleges as experts. The total number of respondents was (833) individuals. Three questionnaires were designed; one oriented to the students, the other to the members of private sector, and the third to the faculty members and experts of community colleges. Findings of the study showed that the first four functions of Saudi community colleges are not completely achieved in the sample colleges. In regard to respondents' views towards the degree of contribution of statements of each section in achieving the four function, findings shows that agreement of the statements mentioned in the questionnaires were high. It was (3.87) in providing students with both higher and preuniversity education, (3.93) in enabling students to transfer to Bachelor programs after completing the preparatory program. The third section; preparing students for jobs and meeting the requirements of labor market was (3.93) and (3.74) in providing continuing education. A strategic plan was proposed by the researcher. The study was concluded with some recommendations, key one was to activate the proposed strategic plan that built on the views of stakeholders and the best practices of American community colleges. (Published abstract)