News Links | November 12, 2020
System News | Opinion
LCC's new teacher degree using COVID-19 to turn out prepared graduates
Teachers have had to learn just as much about virtual school as students the past
few months, adding an unexpected curriculum section to Lower Columbia College’s new teacher certification degree. However, Bachelors of Applied Science in Teacher
Education Program Director, instructor and advisor Ann Williamson said the students
have taken it in stride, and the experience could actually make them more prepared
teachers in the long run.
The Daily News, Nov. 11, 2020
Peninsula College offering accelerated one-year AA degree
Earn the same degree in half the time. Looking to help peninsula residents juggling
careers, family and other commitments who see spending two or more years earning a
degree as not a realistic option — and for those with time to spare during the COVID-19
pandemic — Peninsula College is offering an accelerated, fully online associate in arts degree option.
Sequim Gazette, Nov. 11, 2020
Labor unions, colleges promote apprenticeships this week
Colleges and labor unions are working to promote apprenticeships as a way to fill
gaps in industries that have a shortage of qualified workers. The U.S. Department
of Labor has designated this week as National Apprenticeship Week. Spokane Community College has one of the largest apprenticeship programs in Washington.
Spokane Public Radio, Nov. 11, 2020
Speculation over Biden's education secretary
... The choice to fill cabinet positions, though, can be unpredictable. “I never expected
to get a phone call from the Obama transition team,” said former commerce secretary
Gary Locke in an interview Tuesday. Locke, who was then the Democratic governor of
Washington State and is now interim president of Bellevue College, recalled, “I was the state co-chair of Hillary [Clinton]’s campaign.”
Inside Higher Ed, Nov. 11, 2020
Kitsap needs more COVID-19 testing. Nursing students at Olympic College are joining the effort
Drive-thru testing has come to Olympic College, where test sites open this week staffed by the school’s own nursing students is the
latest effort to expand access to COVID-19 testing across the region. The community
college has partnered with Kitsap Public Health to start two low-barrier test sites at
its Bremerton and Poulsbo campuses, which will operate one day a week throughout November.
Kitsap Sun, Nov. 10, 2020
Edmonds College awards $1.4 million in CARES Act funding to students
Edmonds College has awarded $1.4 million in federal CARES Act funding to students who are experiencing
COVID-19 related financial hardships and are in need of emergency assistance. The
one-time, limited assistance is aimed at helping students with rent, food, bills,
tuition, course materials, child care, and health care.
MLT News, Nov. 10, 2020
Edmonds College extending remote operations through at least March 19
Edmonds College announced Monday that it will extend its remote operations and continue to serve
students and the community virtually through at least March 19, 2021 — with the exception
of a few hands-on, on-campus classes. While the college has remained open during the
COVID-10 pandemic, it has been offering most classes and services virtually online.
Lynnwood Today, Nov. 9, 2020
Trends | Horizons | Education
Big enrollment drops among all races
Sharp drops in fall enrollments among Native American, Black and Hispanic community
college freshmen are near 30%, according to updated data from the National Student
Clearinghouse (NSC) Research Center. ... Community colleges still show the sharpest
drop among freshmen (-18.9%), almost 19 times the pre-pandemic loss rate, according
to the center. Public four-year institutions declined -10.5% and private nonprofit
four-year institutions dropped -8.5%.
Community College Daily, Nov. 12, 2020
Disability as diversity
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 26 percent of people
in the United States have a disability. That includes both visible disabilities, such
as many mobility impairments, and hidden ones, such as psychosocial or emotional conditions.
But some research shows college students with disabilities have lower graduation and
retention rates than their peers without disabilities.
Inside Higher Ed, Nov. 12, 2020
Politics | Local, State, National
The Biden presidency and international education
... President Donald Trump’s defeat is likely to usher in a new era for international
higher education after four years when those working in the field found themselves
on the defensive. “The past four years have been one of the most challenging periods
in the history of our field, during which international educators have shown unparalleled
strength and resilience,” Esther D. Brimmer, CEO and executive director of NAFSA:
Association of International Educators said in a statement on the election results.
Inside Higher Ed, Nov. 12, 2020