Opposition to Standardized Objectives

Fall
2002
Resolution Number
02.09
 
Contact
Assigned to
Unassigned
Category
Accreditation
Status
Ongoing
Status Report

Issues set forth in this resolution have been repeatedly addressed in ASCCC papers, letters, workshops, articles, and institutes, and ongoing resistance to any hints of standardization remain essential.

Whereas, The new Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Standards require that departments develop standardized course content and objectives;

Whereas, The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges as well as the Board of Governors and the Chancellor's Office encourage a range of approaches and course content which are culturally sensitive and reflect the latest disciplinary developments; and

Whereas, The pressure toward curricular standardization in the new ACCJC Standards will likely discourage innovation in course content and objectives and potentially disempower faculty who may belong to traditionally marginalized groups, thus fostering a retreat from a commitment to diversity in both content and teaching and learning approaches;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate urge local senates and the Board of Governors to protect diversity and multiculturalism by respecting academic freedom and not imposing standardized objectives and outcomes at the course, degree and certificate levels; and

Resolved, That The Academic Senate vigorously oppose the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges' and legislative pressure to standardize with the resultant exclusion of alternative viewpoints.MSC Disposition: Accrediting Commission, Board of Governors, Chancellor's Office, Local Senates