Readiness programs and services must be strengthened to increase student success, especially for students lacking basic math and/or English skills. In addition, there must be greater consistency between high school curriculum, assessments, and standards, and those of the Colleges. This strategic goal will address the transfer process, career pathway models, and the collaboration between the Colleges and their own noncredit programs.

Ensure that basic skills development is a major focus and an adequately funded activity of the Community Colleges.  Go to Strategy B1 Home...

To successfully participate in college-level courses, many Community College students need pre-collegiate math and/or English skill development. The goal is to identify model basic skills and English as a Second Language programs and their key features and, given availability of funds, to facilitate replication across the Colleges.  In addition, best practices in classrooms and labs and descriptions of effective learning environments will be collected and disseminated widely to inform and assist both credit and noncredit programs.  However, noncredit basic skills courses are funded at approximately 60 percent of the rate provided to credit basic skills courses, which is a disincentive for colleges to offer those courses. The Colleges need to gather practices with high effectiveness rates, such as innovative program structures, peer support, and counseling, and acquire funding to implement these approaches to reach all students needing basic skills education.

Develop methods to more effectively assess student preparedness levels and to place students in appropriate courses.  Go to Strategy B2 Home...

Students are more likely to succeed when they enroll in courses appropriate for their preparation levels. The difficulties with assessment and placement range from the stigma attached to basic skills math and English courses to the student’s desire to immediately take classes that can be applied toward degrees, transfer, or career advancement. Strategies will be developed to identify, fund, and disseminate effective assessment and placement practices.

Enhance alignment of K-12 and Community College standards, curriculum, and assessment processes.  Go to Strategy B3 Home...

More than half of entering Community College students require some sort of basic skills education, due in part to the fact that K-12 curriculum and assessments do not always adequately prepare students for college level work. The Plan recommends that College requirements be reflected in high school curricula, that high school students and their parents have clear understandings of what it takes to succeed in college, and that the Colleges work toward increased alignment with K-12, noncredit programs, and adult schools.

Ensure that the Community Colleges System and their partners are maintaining and improving the transfer function to meet the needs of students and the State.   Go to Strategy B4 Home...

Many students are frustrated by the myriad of complexities and challenges of the transfer process. Streamlining and consolidating transfer requirements between the Community Colleges and four-year institutions will allow more students to reach their educational goals with less difficulty.

Support effective teaching and learning.  Go to Strategy B5 Home...

In order to provide students with the highest quality instruction available, Community College faculty members and counselors should be able to meaningfully interact with students both inside and outside of class. Student success can increase with more full-time faculty positions, facility improvements, and funding for program innovation and professional development.

Identify effective practices for enhancing students’ ability to attain degrees and certificates.  Go to Strategy B6 Home...

Many students do not seek associate degrees or certificates, even though they have been shown to be highly valuable in terms of increased earnings and career enhancement opportunities. Strategies need to be developed to increase awareness of the value of degrees and certificates, to help students understand their degree status, and to increase the number of students petitioning (applying) for degrees.

Support innovation in workforce education.  Go to Strategy B7 Home...

Community Colleges provide workforce education and training to workers and those seeking employment. In addition to the many challenges facing students, older learners must deal with the challenges of returning to school after a long hiatus and lack of assessment. The Colleges should provide a full range of instructional and support services in all workforce programs that meet the needs of this specialized group.