Seymour-Campbell Student Success Act of 2012: repeating credit courses.
The adoption of AB 811 is expected to improve student access to key courses needed for their major by allowing course repetition for those seeking enrichment or skill enhancement. It also focuses on ensuring that students who need specific courses for their education can obtain priority registration, thereby facilitating their academic progress. This alignment with the statewide goal of maximizing student completion rates in transfer-level coursework underscores the intent of the legislation to bolster successful educational outcomes.
Assembly Bill 811, introduced by Assembly Member Mike Fong, aims to enhance the policies for community college students wishing to repeat credit courses. The bill modifies regulations under the Seymour-Campbell Student Success Act of 2012, requiring each community college district to establish local policies that allow students to repeat certain credit courses in fields such as arts, humanities, and foreign languages, up to two times if they previously received a satisfactory grade. Additionally, it mandates that community colleges inform students about the impact of repeating courses on their federal financial aid qualifications.
The sentiment surrounding AB 811 appears largely supportive, as educational stakeholders recognize the importance of providing flexible options for students who may need to reinforce their understanding or skills in certain subjects. By allowing course repetition and prioritizing registration, the bill is seen as a necessary adjustment to foster an environment that enhances learning opportunities, especially in foundational areas critical for academic success.
While the bill has garnered overall favorable sentiment, there could be concerns about the financial implications of implementing these new policies at the district level. The California Constitution dictates that the state must reimburse local agencies for costs related to mandated actions, suggesting there may be ongoing discussions about funding and resources required to support the requirements set forth by AB 811. Additionally, ensuring that the new policies do not unintentionally displace other vital educational initiatives could be a point of contention among local governing bodies.