The ASCCC researched the interests expressed in this resolution and determined that the concern has passed.
Whereas the Little Hoover Commission (a standing committee of the California Legislature empowered to analyze efficiency in government agencies and operations) is currently reviewing the California community colleges and has initiated discussion of the mission of the community colleges with particular attention to the inclusion of CalWORKs (California Work Opportunities and Responsibility to Kids program) and English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, and
Whereas the California community colleges play a vital role as one of the providers of vocational education for CalWORKs students and English as a Second Language instruction, and
Whereas the welfare-to-work legislation has been interpreted in many regions as "work only" rather than "work first," to the detriment of students' ability to remain in college and transition to skilled employment with full career preparation, and
Whereas the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges continues to believe that full preparation for viable employment at a livable wage requires ongoing access to educational opportunities,
Resolved that the Academic Senate reaffirm its commitment to inclusion of both ESL instruction and CalWORKs (California Work Opportunities and Responsibility to Kids) programs within our mission, and
Resolved that the Academic Senate continue to work with other faculty organizations to seek legislative consideration of an extension of the timeframe for CalWORKs students to pursue their education and legislative consideration to secure increased funding so that students can continue education beyond their initial training in order to pursue full career preparation for employment at a livable wage.