Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Basic Skills as the Foundation for Student Success The Basic Skills

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007

Basic Skills as the Foundation for Basic Skills as the Foundation for

Student SuccessStudent Success

The Basic Skills InitiativeThe Basic Skills Initiative

Barbara Illowsky, Project Director, Basic Skills Initiative

Rob Johnstone, VP for Instruction, Foothill College, Project Administrator

Mark Lieu, VP of Academic Senate, Steering Committee


Pre - History 1Pre - History 1Graduation CompetenciesGraduation Competencies

• Academic Senate Conversation– Started 1999– Formal recommendation Spring 2005– Raise math and English standards– Concerns: Barriers, Success Rates, Research

• Other Conversations– Statewide Constituency Groups Fall 2005


Pre - History 2Pre - History 2A Creative SolutionA Creative Solution

• CIO/CSSO Conference March 2006– Joint resolution on graduation competencies– Identified need to improve basic skills student success

• ASCCC, CIO, CSSO Joint Proposal April 2006– Ian Walton, Pam Deegan, Robin Richards– How Can We Make this Succeed?– Basic Skills Initiative Proposed

• System Budget Workgroup April 2006


Pre - History 3Pre - History 3 Systemwide SupportSystemwide Support

• Consultation Council May 2006

• Board of Governors July & Sep 2006– Agreement to move forward on both

• Graduation Competencies• Basic Skills Initiative

– 06-07 Existing Funds Redirected– Request for Future Year Funds– Connection with Strategic Plan– 3 Phase Project


Basic Skills Initiative, the System Office Basic Skills Initiative, the System Office & the System Strategic Plan& the System Strategic Plan

• Goal Area B

Student Success and Readiness

– Strategy B1

Basic Skills as the Foundation for

Student Success – Strategy B2

Assessment and Placement


October 2006 - Phase 1 Begins October 2006 - Phase 1 Begins Research & Lit. ReviewResearch & Lit. Review

• Research phase initiated

• $50,000 in research funds allocated through Mt. San Antonio College

• Research conducted by the Center for Student Success (RP Group)


The Research included The Research included the following:the following:

1. Review of the literature on successful basic skills practices

Identification/discussion of effective practices based upon the review

2. Self-assessment instrument for colleges to assess their own status

3. Cost / Revenue Estimation Tool

More details http://css.rpgroup.org


Working Definition of Basic SkillsWorking Definition of Basic Skills

“Basic skills are those foundation skills in reading, writing, mathematics, learning skills, study skills and English as a Second Language which are necessary for students to succeed in college level work.”


The Results of the Research The Results of the Research included the following areasincluded the following areas

1. Organizational / Administrative Practices (7)

2. Program Components (4)

3. Staff Development (5)

4. Instructional Practices (10)


Examples of Research ResultsExamples of Research Results

1. Developmental education is a clearly stated institutional priority

2. Orientation, assessment and placement are mandatory for all new students

3. Faculty play a primary role in planning/ implementation of staff development activities

4. Developmental education program addresses holistic development of all aspects of the student


March 2007 - March 2007 - Phase 2 Begins Phase 2 Begins Professional DevelopmentProfessional Development

• RFA for $700,000 for basic skills statewide professional development sent out to colleges in November 06

• College to work with the Academic Senate on planning and delivery

• Grant awarded to Foothill/De Anza

• Subcontract with Academic Senate


Steering CommitteeSteering Committee

Chair: Barbara Illowsky, Projector Director

Committee members include: 6 faculty (math, English, counseling, ESL, reading, humanities), 3 CSSOs, 3 CIOs, 1 CEO,

Role: Advise on Teams & Regional Meetings

Advise on Materials and Communications

Work with Supporter Groups


February - May 2007February - May 2007

1. Develop qualifications for Teams of Specialists

2. Identify team members (4 to 7 faculty members, CIO, CSSO, RP)

– selected by representative organization

3. Identify and schedules campuses for regional meetings

4. Make Conference/Institute Presentations


May - August 2007May - August 2007 Initial Regional Meetings Initial Regional Meetings

May 11 American River College

May 18 Mt San Antonio College

June 13 Mission College

August 8 Ventura College

August 24 San Diego Mesa College


Fall 2007Fall 2007 More Regional Meetings More Regional Meetings

September 14 – Desert, S. Orange Co., Monterey Bay, Central Coast

September 21 – Riverside, N. Orange Co., East Bay

September 28 – S. Central Valley, S.F. Peninsula, Far North

October 12 – L.A., N. Central Valley, North Bay, Far North


Regional Meetings Regional Meetings ContentContent

Provide information to colleges:

1. Results of Research Phase

2. Self Assessment/Inquiry Tool

3. Creation of College Plans- selection of projects

- outcomes / evaluation

- costs / funding


Fall 2007 - Phase 3 Begins Fall 2007 - Phase 3 Begins Local ImplementationLocal Implementation

• Based on the research and professional development colleges create plan

• Need for ongoing implementation funding

• Budget Change proposal for 2007 – 08

• $33 million redirected basic skills funds

• Distribution formula ? (FTES or Project)


20082008Implementation ContinuesImplementation Continues

• Need for ongoing new funding

• BCP for 08-09 ??? New Money ???

• Need for ongoing research to provide additional options

• Need for ongoing additional professional development

• Evaluation – What? When? Who?


What Does this have to do with CIOs What Does this have to do with CIOs and CSSOs ?and CSSOs ?

• Transfer, Degree and Vocational students all need to succeed in basic skills

• We need to collaborate to make this work – basic skills or vocational or transfer

classroom instructors– counselors, librarians– support staff, administrators


Are you Confused??Are you Confused??BSI – A Quick SummaryBSI – A Quick Summary

• Research Phase Completed

• Professional Development Phase this year– Disseminate research results– Colleges assess based on research– Colleges select projects and create plan– All the while, regional training is occurring

• Local Implementation begins Fall 07


Please Join UsPlease Join Us

• Spread the Word• Help Generate Support from All Your Colleagues• Come to Regional Meetings• Check Web Site for Updates• This has the Potential to Completely Change the

Way Our Students Succeed

• Thank you

Documents

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges – CIO/CSSO Conference – March 2007 Basic Skills as the Foundation for Student Success The Basic Skills