Improving Community Collelges

By Jan (Serrantino) Cox

Jan answers questions regarding community college funding, time to degree and increasing completion (degree or transfer) rtes.

Proposition 13 provided needed tax relief for homeowners, however, most of us did not foresee its long-term impact on the quality of education for our state. Funding reform must strike a balance between relief from excessive taxes and providing the necessary dollars for services that benefit the community. Frank dialogue between legislators, educators, economists and community leaders is needed. Collaboration and creative thinking is an approach I support.

Community colleges have among the highest dropout rates in education. What can community colleges do to encourage more students to complete degrees and/or transfer to four-year schools?

The time to achieve a degree or transfer credits must decrease. A two year Associates Degree or required transfer credits takes a minimum of three years to achieve. General education (required) course offerings must increase via in person or online course options. Secondly, adequate numbers of academic advising or mentors (faculty, professional or student staff) will help retain students and move them forward more rapidly.

Many educators, business people and others experts say the United States is not producing enough students prepared in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). How can community colleges encourage STEM education?

Improvement in STEM education is needed, and I agree that it the U.S. is behind other countries in these critical fields. One suggestion I have is for K-12 and Community Colleges to collaborate on curriculum. Secondly, hire and retain the quality faculty and provide the labs and materials for a state of the art student experience. Finally both must partner with local industry to incorporate internships, part time jobs and support of this effort.