California Assembly Bill AB1002

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/21
• Refer: 3/4/21
• Report Pass: 4/14/21
• Refer: 4/19/21
• Report Pass: 4/29/21
• Refer: 4/29/21
• Report Pass: 5/12/21
• Engrossed: 5/20/21
• Refer: 5/20/21
• Refer: 6/3/21
• Report Pass: 6/16/21
• Refer: 6/16/21
• Report Pass: 6/30/21
• Refer: 6/30/21
• Report Pass: 7/8/21
• Refer: 7/8/21
• Enrolled: 9/1/21
• Chaptered: 10/6/21
• Passed: 10/6/21

Caption

Postsecondary education: course credit for prior military education, training, and service.

Impact

The passage of AB 1002 represents a significant shift in how military education is credited within the higher education framework in California. By implementing a consistent credit-awarding system for prior military training, the bill aims to streamline the transition of veterans into postsecondary education, potentially increasing enrollment and educational attainment among this demographic. It also seeks to create a more equitable system for recognizing the value of military experience in educational settings, which can assist veterans in gaining relevant academic qualifications and advancing their careers.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 1002, introduced by Choi, amends Section 66025.71 of the Education Code to enhance the recognition of prior military education and training in California's public higher education system. The bill mandates that the Office of the Chancellor of the California State University, in collaboration with its Academic Senate and with a request for the involvement of the University of California, develop a uniform policy by September 1, 2022. This policy will facilitate the awarding of course credits to military personnel and veterans based on their official Joint Services Transcript, aligning it with the subject matter parallels to their military education and training. Each institution is tasked with posting its credit policy on their respective websites by December 31, 2023.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 1002 has generally been positive among supporters, particularly veteran advocacy groups and educators who recognize the importance of bridging the gap between military training and academic qualifications. Many see it as a progressive step towards acknowledging the skills and experiences of veterans. However, concerns have been raised regarding the execution of such policies, specifically relating to the adequacy of academic evaluation processes and the technicalities associated with aligning military training with academic curricula.

Contention

While the core intent of AB 1002 is widely accepted, there are points of contention regarding the implementation of the policy. Critics express apprehensions about the potential variability in how different campuses interpret and apply the course credit policy, which could lead to inconsistencies in credit assessment. Additionally, there are worries about whether the criteria used for credit evaluation will robustly reflect the academic relevance of military training, thereby ensuring that all veterans receive fair credit for their experience.