At a Fork

2017 seems to mark the stage for focused reflection on education. We continue to see many substantial changes not only for our community college district (new president, new VPs, etc.) but also for the entire California Community College system (new chancellor, new and ongoing initiatives - CAI, OEI, AEBG, Z-Degrees, etc.).

The newly installed CCC Chancellor, Dr. Oakley, has invited all in the system to share with his office their thoughts and ideas on the future of the CCC system. You can click here to fill out his strategic vision survey by May 31st.

Everybody is inspired to more fully understand the larger questions of the changing role of colleges. A lot of education reformers have advocated a redesign of community colleges by turning our model from a self-service cafeteria style into guided pathways to success. Detailed notes for the contrast can be accessed here.

Some have even argued that training at colleges should be less about a degree than a set of skills. Sure, one can make an appointment to see an on-campus counselor who's available only weeks down the road once or twice a semester, but one will be missing out on a "publicly-funded 'learner advocate network' that students and their families would consult to help them find and evaluate learning partners and help shape their educational pathways," according to proponents of the concept of "an education Sherpa."

It would seem that ESL faculty, both credit and noncredit, will need to reflect on what direction to take at this critical juncture for their departments and how we serve students going forward. To this end, you might want to complete this survey that is being conducted by the CATESOL CC Level Assistant Chair.