News
September 6, 2007
Contact: Suzy Ames, Director of Communications, SBCTC, 360-704-4310
Community and technical college board sets policies to improve student achievement
OLYMPIA –The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges will meet on September 12 to consider approval of new initiatives that aim to improve student achievement.
“The community and technical colleges are positioned to help more underserved students gain the advantages of higher education,” Executive Director Charlie Earl said. “The State Board is starting a few new programs that will help more adults reach that goal.”
The Board will consider rewarding colleges for improved student achievement. As students make progress toward their educational goals, the colleges will receive points for students’ successes. The more students that progress, the more money colleges will receive. This innovative program is slated to start with a “learning year” so colleges can learn from each other how to best help students reach their goals.
The Board will also consider entering into an inter-agency agreement with the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board to create the Opportunity Partnership Program pilot. Funded by the Legislature, the pilot program will connect students with industry mentors and relevant job experience to help students stay in college and successfully transition to work. This is part of an expanded Opportunity Grant program that funds low income adults enrolled in high demand job training programs at the community and technical colleges.
Two additional efforts to improve student achievement include the State Board awarding Transition Math Project contracts to the Yakima Valley Educational Service District 105 and to Olympic Educational Service District 114 to develop ways to help high school students graduate with the math they’ll need to start college.
Other agenda items include advancing statutorily required performance measures to the Higher Education Coordinating Board and discussing a possible budget request for the 2008 supplemental legislative session.
The regular business meeting is scheduled from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Campbell’s Resort, Stehekin B Room, 104 West Woodin, Chelan. The meeting will immediately follow the State Board retreat, which will start at 3 p.m. on Sept. 10 and end at 9:30 a.m. on Sept 12.
###
Back to 2007 News Archives