New Ways to DreamAlternatives to the Math and English Associate Degree RequirementsPresentation to the CCCCIO Fall 2006 Conference

Jacqueline Jacobs, Pasadena City CollegeJohn Spevak, Merced CollegePam Eddinger, Moorpark College

Raise Minimum to One Level Above Current StandardsEnglish 1A -or- English course with same level, rigor, and entrance skillsCSU and UC Transferable

Intermediate Algebra -or-Math Course with same level, rigor, and elementary algebra as Prerequisite Not CSU or UC Transferable

TimelineFall 2001 Academic Senate Began Inquiry Fall 2002 to Fall 2004 Public Forums, Plenary and Faculty Institutes Spring 2005 White Paper, CIO and CCCAOE Conferences Spring 2005 Plenary Passage of Resolution 9.01 and 9.02

TimelinePost Spring 2005 Engagement with CCCT, CCLC, CEOs, CIO, CSSO, and students January and May 2006 Consultation Council Consensus September 2006 BOG Approval and Anticipated System Office Implementation for Fall 09

Why Raise Standards?Workplace Demands College Level Skills Improved Wages and Opportunities Mismatch: High School Exit Skills same as CC Graduation Competencies Credibility of Associate Degree and CCs

What Doesnt Change?Credit and Degree ApplicabilityLocal Discretion to Implement Standards Higher than MinimumExisting Testing OptionsAlternative Courses Taught in or on Behalf of other Departments with equivalent Entrance SkillsFiscal Impact (?)

Survey ResultsQuestion: Alternative Courses?41 ResponsesYes: 3 English 2 MathBusiness EnglishMath with Engineering/TechnologyGeometryQuestionable Transferability Aha Moment with Jackie Jacobs

If We Can Dream It, We Can Do It!

If We Can Dream It, We Can Do It! Attitudes and ExpectationsAdministrators & faculty set the stageStudents get the message Holistic and IntrusiveCaring and Support

What Can Make The Dream Become a Reality? Curriculum Changes or New Curriculum?Relate Content to Real WorldDelivery of Content vs Learning Style

What Can Make The Dream Become a Reality?Full Traditional Semester: 16-week session Lecture Board - HomeworkFast track: Two 8-week sessions Complete two classes in one semesterModularize: Complete within 2 semesters For those needing more timeComputerized For those who prefer or do better in that modePCC Sample Offerings

What Can Make The Dream Become a Reality?Instructors With.PassionPatiencePreparation

What Can Make The Dream Become a Reality?Psyche Prep and Support for StudentsIntroduction of the Course Clear and PositiveInclude Fun ActivitiesTime Management and Good Study HabitsAcademic Assistance via Tutors/ Groups/ Supplemental Labs, On-line Instruction, etcShow Students How to Reduce Stress/Anxiety

Where To Start?

Understand Where You Are CurrentlyThe Deming Group

An Exercise in Active InquiryGet Into GroupsThink About Learning Styles, Options, and Other Fun FactorsBrainstorm AlternativesReport and Share

Pick a Skeptic to Present Counterpoint