Community colleges will direct professional development resources for both faculty and staff toward improving basic skills instruction and support services.

Description

In addition to the flexible calendar program for the community colleges, the Budget Act annually provides a limited amount of funding specifically toward basic skills professional development. Funding in 2011-12 was approximately $1 million. These allocations should not only continue but be expanded to provide continuous and thorough support for faculty and staff in the issues related to basic skills instruction and student support services. The pedagogical approaches to be included should respond not only to discipline issues but also within the context of economic and cultural differences of students.

In addition to the specific professional development funds available through the annual Budget Act, California should continue to direct and coordinate special programs in vocational education, economic development, science, mathematics, categorical areas, and others in order to integrate basic skills improvement throughout the entire community college system.