Whereas, AB 705 (Irwin, 2017) language indicates that compensation for costs incurred by this statutory provision must be reimbursed to the community college districts,[1] and the California Legislature was incorrectly informed that AB 705 (Irwin, 2017) would be a zero sum statute wherein savings from reducing basic skills courses would equally translate into funds appropriated for the necessary expenses for increase in transfer level courses in mathematics and English;
Whereas, The implementation of AB 705 (Irwin, 2017) has not been a zero sum statute, as districts have had to maintain necessary coursework for local awards and part-time students, as well as provide the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Officeproposed corequisite classes in math and English;
Whereas, The default placement rules[2][3] support that large numbers of students will fail transfer-level coursework in mathematics and English and will thus need additional support or coursework to get back on track; and
Whereas, The reallocation of funds from certain disciplines and certain courses to meet the mandate of AB 705 (Irwin, 2017) may eventually negatively impact hiring and ultimately support for degree completion in other disciplines, eroding colleges’ ability to provide a holistic educational environment;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to develop guidelines for local academic senates to identify and analyze financial costs and other impacts (e.g. hiring, scheduling, and so on) as a result of AB 705 (Irwin, 2017) implementation and disseminate those guidelines by Spring 2020 Plenary Session.
MSC