Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Basic Skills as the Foundation for Student Success The Basic Skills Initiative Barbara Illowsky, Project Director, Basic Skills Initiative Rob Johnstone, VP for Instruction, Foothill College, Project Administrator Mark Lieu, VP of Academic Senate, Steering Committee

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Pre - History 1 Graduation Competencies Academic Senate Conversation –Started 1999 –Formal recommendation Spring 2005 –Raise math and English standards –Concerns: Barriers, Success Rates, Research Other Conversations –Statewide Constituency Groups Fall 2005

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Pre - History 2 A Creative Solution CIO/CSSO Conference March 2006 –Joint resolution on graduation competencies –Identified need to improve basic skills student success ASCCC, CIO, CSSO Joint Proposal April 2006 –Ian Walton, Pam Deegan, Robin Richards –How Can We Make this Succeed? –Basic Skills Initiative Proposed System Budget Workgroup April 2006

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Pre - History 3 Systemwide Support Consultation Council May 2006 Board of Governors July & Sep 2006 –Agreement to move forward on both Graduation Competencies Basic Skills Initiative –06-07 Existing Funds Redirected –Request for Future Year Funds –Connection with Strategic Plan –3 Phase Project

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Basic Skills Initiative, the System Office & the System Strategic Plan Goal Area B Student Success and Readiness –Strategy B1 Basic Skills as the Foundation for Student Success –Strategy B2 Assessment and Placement

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 October Phase 1 Begins Research & Lit. Review Research phase initiated $50,000 in research funds allocated through Mt. San Antonio College Research conducted by the Center for Student Success (RP Group)

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 The Research included the following: 1.Review of the literature on successful basic skills practices Identification/discussion of effective practices based upon the review 2.Self-assessment instrument for colleges to assess their own status 3.Cost / Revenue Estimation Tool More details

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Working Definition of Basic Skills “Basic skills are those foundation skills in reading, writing, mathematics, learning skills, study skills and English as a Second Language which are necessary for students to succeed in college level work.”

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 The Results of the Research included the following areas 1.Organizational / Administrative Practices (7) 2.Program Components (4) 3.Staff Development (5) 4.Instructional Practices (10)

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Examples of Research Results 1.Developmental education is a clearly stated institutional priority 2.Orientation, assessment and placement are mandatory for all new students 3.Faculty play a primary role in planning/ implementation of staff development activities 4.Developmental education program addresses holistic development of all aspects of the student

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 March Phase 2 Begins Professional Development RFA for $700,000 for basic skills statewide professional development sent out to colleges in November 06 College to work with the Academic Senate on planning and delivery Grant awarded to Foothill/De Anza Subcontract with Academic Senate

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Steering Committee Chair: Barbara Illowsky, Projector Director Committee members include: 6 faculty (math, English, counseling, ESL, reading, humanities), 3 CSSOs, 3 CIOs, 1 CEO, Role: Advise on Teams & Regional Meetings Advise on Materials and Communications Work with Supporter Groups

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 February - May Develop qualifications for Teams of Specialists 2.Identify team members (4 to 7 faculty members, CIO, CSSO, RP) – selected by representative organization 3.Identify and schedules campuses for regional meetings 4.Make Conference/Institute Presentations

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 May - August 2007 Initial Regional Meetings May 11 American River College May 18 Mt San Antonio College June 13 Mission College August 8 Ventura College August 24 San Diego Mesa College

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Fall 2007 More Regional Meetings September 14 – Desert, S. Orange Co., Monterey Bay, Central Coast September 21 – Riverside, N. Orange Co., East Bay September 28 – S. Central Valley, S.F. Peninsula, Far North October 12 – L.A., N. Central Valley, North Bay, Far North

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Regional Meetings Content Provide information to colleges: 1.Results of Research Phase 2.Self Assessment/Inquiry Tool 3.Creation of College Plans - selection of projects - outcomes / evaluation - costs / funding

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Fall Phase 3 Begins Local Implementation Based on the research and professional development colleges create plan Need for ongoing implementation funding Budget Change proposal for 2007 – 08 $33 million redirected basic skills funds Distribution formula ? (FTES or Project)

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March Implementation Continues Need for ongoing new funding BCP for ??? New Money ??? Need for ongoing research to provide additional options Need for ongoing additional professional development Evaluation – What? When? Who?

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 What Does this have to do with CIOs and CSSOs ? Transfer, Degree and Vocational students all need to succeed in basic skills We need to collaborate to make this work –basic skills or vocational or transfer classroom instructors – counselors, librarians – support staff, administrators

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Are you Confused?? BSI – A Quick Summary Research Phase Completed Professional Development Phase this year –Disseminate research results –Colleges assess based on research –Colleges select projects and create plan –All the while, regional training is occurring Local Implementation begins Fall 07

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Please Join Us Spread the Word Help Generate Support from All Your Colleagues Come to Regional Meetings Check Web Site for Updates This has the Potential to Completely Change the Way Our Students Succeed Thank you