Resolution in Support of Credit ESL

Fall
2015
Resolution Number
09.14
 
Assigned to
5C
Category
Curriculum
Status
Ongoing
Status Report

5C workgroup has been formed to work on this issue. 2017 -18: The co-chair will provide an update to the field regarding the progress of this resolution.

Whereas, The California Community College (CCC) Chancellor’s Office and the State of California, through legislation of AB 86 (2013, Budget Committee) and AB 104 (2015, Budget Committee), demand multiple educational pathways to increase success of English language learners transitioning into credit programs;

Whereas, These pathways include access to completing certificates or degrees or preparing for transfer via existing coursework offered at California community colleges;

Whereas, Credit courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) provide students in the CCC System instruction in the academic English language skills needed to be successful in completing certificates or degrees or preparing for transfer; and

Whereas, The efforts to align CCC ESL with other systems have revealed a limited understanding of the value of credit ESL as efforts to boost noncredit and not-for-credit offerings are made, causing a potential limitation in how districts envision those pathways;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges affirm that credit ESL courses offered at the community college remain a vital service to community members seeking to pursue educational and career pathways; and

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges affirm that the right to decide the credit or noncredit status for any class is an academic and professional matter and hence under the purview of the local academic senate.

MSC