Pupils: attendance at community college.
If enacted, this bill will modify how school districts can engage with community colleges for student enrollment, particularly for high-achieving pupils who may wish to take advanced courses. Specifically, it would enable more flexibility for districts regarding summer session attendance at community colleges, particularly for those involved in College and Career Access Pathways programs. This shift could foster better educational opportunities for students, enabling them to secure collegiate exposure while still in high school.
Assembly Bill No. 3326, introduced by Assembly Member Smith on February 21, 2020, aims to amend Section 48800 of the Education Code concerning pupil instruction and their ability to attend community colleges. Currently, the law allows the governing board of a school district to permit students who meet specific criteria to enroll in community college courses. Presently, there is a recommendation limit that restricts principals to recommending only 5% of students from any grade for summer courses. AB3326 seeks to provide a non-substantive change to this existing provision, which is set to exempt certain pupils from this 5% cap until January 1, 2027.
One aspect of potential contention surrounding AB3326 involves whether expanding student access to community college courses could lead to an undue burden on these institutions or on the mechanics of high school curriculums. Additionally, the implications of allowing a broader student base for community college courses could spark debates regarding academic standards, resource allocation, and the possible effects on enrollment figures of high school graduates and their preparedness for college-level coursework.