New Ways to Dream Alternatives to the Math and English Associate Degree Requirements Presentation to the CCCCIO Fall 2006 Conference Jacqueline Jacobs, Pasadena City College John Spevak, Merced College Pam Eddinger, Moorpark College

Raise Minimum to One Level Above Current Standards English 1A -or- English 1A -or- English course with same level, rigor, and entrance skills English course with same level, rigor, and entrance skills CSU and UC TransferableCSU and UC Transferable Intermediate Algebra -or- Intermediate Algebra -or- Math Course with same level, rigor, and elementary algebra as Prerequisite Math Course with same level, rigor, and elementary algebra as Prerequisite Not CSU or UC TransferableNot CSU or UC Transferable

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

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

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

What Doesn’t Change? Credit and Degree Applicability Credit and Degree Applicability Local Discretion to Implement Standards Higher than Minimum Local Discretion to Implement Standards Higher than Minimum Existing Testing Options Existing Testing Options Alternative Courses Taught in or on Behalf of other Departments with equivalent Entrance Skills Alternative Courses Taught in or on Behalf of other Departments with equivalent Entrance Skills Fiscal Impact (?) Fiscal Impact (?)

Survey Results Question: Alternative Courses? Question: Alternative Courses? 41 Responses 41 Responses Yes: 3 English 2 Math Yes: 3 English 2 Math Business English Business English Math with Engineering/Technology Math with Engineering/Technology Geometry Geometry Questionable Transferability Questionable Transferability “Aha” Moment with Jackie Jacobs… “Aha” Moment with Jackie Jacobs…

If We Can Dream It, We Can Do It!

Attitudes and Expectations Attitudes and Expectations Administrators & faculty set the stageAdministrators & faculty set the stage Students get the messageStudents get the message Holistic and Intrusive Holistic and Intrusive Caring and SupportCaring and Support

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

What Can Make The Dream Become a Reality? Full Traditional Semester: 16-week session Lecture – Board - Homework Full Traditional Semester: 16-week session Lecture – Board - Homework Fast track: Two 8-week sessions Complete two classes in one semester Fast track: Two 8-week sessions Complete two classes in one semester Modularize: Complete within 2 semesters For those needing more time Modularize: Complete within 2 semesters For those needing more time Computerized For those who prefer or do better in that mode Computerized For those who prefer or do better in that mode PCC Sample Offerings PCC Sample Offerings

What Can Make The Dream Become a Reality? Instructors With……. Instructors With……. PassionPassion PatiencePatience PreparationPreparation

What Can Make The Dream Become a Reality? Psyche – Prep and Support for Students Psyche – Prep and Support for Students Introduction of the Course – Clear and PositiveIntroduction of the Course – Clear and Positive Include Fun ActivitiesInclude Fun Activities Time Management and Good Study HabitsTime Management and Good Study Habits Academic Assistance via Tutors/ Groups/ Supplemental Labs, On-line Instruction, etcAcademic Assistance via Tutors/ Groups/ Supplemental Labs, On-line Instruction, etc Show Students How to Reduce Stress/Anxiety Show Students How to Reduce Stress/Anxiety

Where To Start? Understand Where You Are Currently Understand Where You Are Currently The Deming Group The Deming Group

An Exercise in Active Inquiry Get Into Groups Get Into Groups Think About Learning Styles, Options, and Other Fun Factors Think About Learning Styles, Options, and Other Fun Factors Brainstorm “Alternatives” Brainstorm “Alternatives” Report and Share Report and Share “Pick a Skeptic” to Present Counterpoint “Pick a Skeptic” to Present Counterpoint