Whereas, AB 705 (Irwin, 2017) and Title 5 §55522.5 recognize that “Instruction in English as a second language (ESL) is distinct from remediation in English”;
Whereas, Numerous advanced ESL courses satisfy transfer patterns established by the University of California and California State University for elective units or direct fulfillment of general education areas;
Whereas, Title 5 §55070 allows for colleges to develop and propose a certificate of achievement that includes coursework taken to satisfy transfer patterns established by the UC, CSU, or accredited public postsecondary institutions in adjacent states; and
Whereas, Title 5 §55070(a) states that “no sequence or grouping of courses may be approved as a certificate of achievement pursuant to this section if it consists solely of basic skills and/or ESL courses”;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to recommend changes that eliminate language conflating ESL coursework with remedial instruction; and
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office through the consultation process to amend Title 5 §55070(a) by deleting “and/or ESL courses” such that the amended excerpt will read as follows:
… provided however, that no sequence or grouping of courses may be approved as a certificate of achievement pursuant to this section if it consists solely of basic skills courses.
MSC