Rostrum article on topic was published in Fall 03; Fall Plenary Breakout did this; will hold North and South Colloquia 2/04; and Spring Plenary will have 2 Breakouts.
Whereas, Numerous community colleges are currently debating changes in their local graduation requirements, and several resolutions introduced and referred by the plenary body at the Fall 2002 session addressed proposed changes to Title 5 English and mathematics requirements for graduation, specifically
9.04recommended the right of local faculty, working through their local senates to determine mathematics requirements that best meet the needs of their students and communities, while
9.05recommended immediately raising the statewide mathematics requirement from elementary algebra to intermediate algebra or an equivalent course and to college-level algebra or an equivalent course after five years following implementation, and
9.06recommended a transfer-level English course be required statewide and urged local senates to design such a course for vocational students seeking an AS degree;
Whereas, Such changes would likely have a significant impact on curriculum, degrees, certificates and correlative courses, as well as potential effects on student retention and completion--matters calling for sustained and informed discussion locally and statewide by faculty members and others; and
Whereas, Discussions now taking place in the field are generating questions about the availability of support services for students (e.g., tutoring and part-time faculty office hours), about the impact of affective elements and students' perceptions and about the possible alternatives or innovative courses that might be considered (e.g., math appreciation courses and English courses incorporating vocational relevance);
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges urge local senates to engage their campuses in a full discussion of possible options and approaches for addressing the level of English and mathematics courses required for graduation, as well as discussion of advantages, disadvantages and consequences of any such changes; and
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges provide forums for a collegial exchange of views preliminary to preparing a paper for the Spring 2004 Plenary Session.