2008 Woodie Awards
BC focuses on student skills
Joel Paramo
Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: News
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Due to a statewide movement in the requirements of the Basic Skills Initiative, Bakersfield College is in the process of putting together new action plans that will be implemented to increase student learning and in turn increase the student retention and success rate.
Currently, there are two major projects being conducted: the statewide Basic Skills Initiative and a project BC has put together called The Foundations of Excellence. BC also had Dr. Hunter Boylan, director of the National Center for Developmental Education, come in and audit the school last year.
"What we're trying to do is help students become college prepared," said Vice President of Student Learning Ed Knudson. "If we are going to better prepare students for transferring or the work force, we have to make sure student skills meet those standards. It's important that we get students ready for the fundamental step."
Basic Skills are defined as 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. Through the Basic Skills Initiative, the school will be addressing the best practices that can be implemented that will benefit developmental students, or students that are not completely prepared to take transfer-level classes.
"It's like they say," said BC President William Andrews. "If you don't use it you lose it. It's difficult for students who have been gone for many years to come back and take the assessment test. Our goal is to move them as rapidly as we can to get them ready to transfer."
The Foundations of Excellence was a three-part effort, according to Dean of Student Learning Patti Ross, in collation with the National Center for Developmental Education. Boylan conducted three separate audits of the school, first reviewing instruction, then supportive services, and administrative support. He will be sharing his findings with the school on Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m. in the Renegade Room.
Currently, there are two major projects being conducted: the statewide Basic Skills Initiative and a project BC has put together called The Foundations of Excellence. BC also had Dr. Hunter Boylan, director of the National Center for Developmental Education, come in and audit the school last year.
"What we're trying to do is help students become college prepared," said Vice President of Student Learning Ed Knudson. "If we are going to better prepare students for transferring or the work force, we have to make sure student skills meet those standards. It's important that we get students ready for the fundamental step."
Basic Skills are defined as 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. Through the Basic Skills Initiative, the school will be addressing the best practices that can be implemented that will benefit developmental students, or students that are not completely prepared to take transfer-level classes.
"It's like they say," said BC President William Andrews. "If you don't use it you lose it. It's difficult for students who have been gone for many years to come back and take the assessment test. Our goal is to move them as rapidly as we can to get them ready to transfer."
The Foundations of Excellence was a three-part effort, according to Dean of Student Learning Patti Ross, in collation with the National Center for Developmental Education. Boylan conducted three separate audits of the school, first reviewing instruction, then supportive services, and administrative support. He will be sharing his findings with the school on Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m. in the Renegade Room.
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