Pupil instruction: dual enrollment: College and Career Access Pathways partnerships.
The bill eliminates the previous restrictions on the number of community college courses a special part-time student can take each term, specifically removing the limit of four courses per term. This change allows students to enroll in up to 15 units under a College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) partnership agreement. Additionally, it streamlines existing processes by reducing the requirements for parental consent to just one form for the duration of the student’s participation in the program, thereby easing administrative burdens on students and educational institutions alike. Furthermore, it mandates annual reporting on the success of students participating in these programs, encouraging accountability and continuous improvement.
Assembly Bill 731, introduced by Assembly Member Fong, aims to amend Section 76004 of the Education Code, specifically focusing on improving dual enrollment opportunities for students who may not be college-bound or who are underrepresented in higher education. By facilitating partnerships between community college districts and local school districts, the bill seeks to expand educational access and provide seamless pathways from high school to community college, emphasizing career technical education and preparation for transfer to higher education. This legislative change is anticipated to help improve high school graduation rates and enhance the college and career readiness of participating pupils.
Overall, the sentiment around AB 731 appears to be positive, with proponents arguing that it presents a valuable opportunity for expanding access to higher education for marginalized student populations. Supporters believe that removing barriers related to dual enrollment will enhance educational equity and better prepare students for future academic and career endeavors. However, some stakeholders may raise concerns regarding the resources needed to adequately support these changes, particularly in ensuring that the increased enrollment does not overwhelm community college capacities or lead to compromised educational experiences for students.
Despite the largely favorable outlook on the bill, there are points of contention, particularly regarding the adequacy of support services needed to facilitate successful dual enrollment, especially in online or asynchronous courses. Critics may worry that without sufficient support for students—like tutoring or counseling—there could be higher dropout rates among those newly eligible for dual enrollment. The bill also entrusts the Chancellor of California Community Colleges with the authority to develop regulations ensuring that adequate support is provided, which may raise questions about implementation and oversight.