Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed a package of bills that will bolster graduation and transfer rates and offer debt cancellation at community colleges.
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) authored the Seymour Campbell Student Success Act of 2012: matriculation: assessment, also known as Assembly Bill 1705, which is one of more than a dozen bills aimed to improve higher education signed by Newsom. The bill aims to “turn the page on the antiquated placement tests that pressure students into classes that do not count toward their graduation requirements,” according to Irwin.
“Since the implementation of my bill AB 705 in 2018, there have been significant improvements towards closing racial equity gaps, especially for Black and Latino students who historically have been overrepresented in remedial courses, but systemic barriers remain,” Irwin said. “The signing of AB 1705 & AB 1187 coupled with the $64 million investment in tutoring students to earn college credits, will ensure that students and faculty receive the resources they need to make students successful. My sincere thanks to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, Chancellor Gonzales, and advocates for steadfast commitment to these reforms.”
According to Newsom’s office, California is increasing resources, adding services, and advancing equity to boost graduation and transfer rates throughout our higher education systems.
“Thanks to the Legislature’s leadership, we’re building on my Administration’s efforts to ensure all of our students are well-equipped to succeed and prepared for California’s future,” Newsom said.
The newly signed bills will:
- Ensure that students attending California Community Colleges enroll directly into transfer-level math and English courses, if their program requires it or they are seeking to transfer.
- Expand supervised tutoring offered for foundational skills and transfer-level courses.
- Offer debt cancellation to encourage students to re-enroll and enroll at community colleges, building on budget appropriations.
According to California Community Colleges Interim Chancellor Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Ph.D., reforming remedial education and expanding access to tutoring will help millions of Californians complete their education faster.
“Many more will continue their dreams because of new opportunities possible when we eliminate the burden of prior debts owed. We thank the many student and campus leaders who advocated for these changes, and stand ready to continue to lead an equitable recovery in higher education,” Gonzales said.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/09/30/california-to-speed-graduation-offer-debt-cancellation-at-community-colleges/.
