Miramar College has been recognized by The Campaign for College Opportunity as one of only 56 California Community Colleges honored for implementing landmark placement policy AB 705, championed by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and signed into law in 2017. The College was one of three honorees in the category of Campus wide Transfer-Level English Success.
Prior to AB 705, the vast majority of incoming community college students were being placed into remedial math and English courses that ultimately discouraged and derailed students on their college journeys. Over a decade of research has shown that students’ likelihood of earning a degree decreases when they start college in remedial courses.
“As we celebrate the record number of California community colleges that are placing students in transfer-level courses, we must remember that equity and success for all students, particularly Black and Latinx students, must be at the forefront of our efforts. These colleges are leading the way in providing equitable access to higher education and ensuring that we break down barriers to student success,” said Michele Siqueiros, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity. “By providing students with the support and resources they need, we are making it clear that their college dreams are a priority, and we are helping to build a stronger, more prosperous California. After all, California succeeds when students complete college and earn a degree, certificate or transfer to a university as a result of a stronger and smoother pathway.” Equitable placement practices have proven to be highly consequential for increasing access to transfer-level coursework, maximizing student success, and closing racial/ethnic equity gaps. By starting in transfer-level English, completion rates have tripled for Black students and more than doubled for Latinx students. In math, completion rates have quadrupled for Black students and Latinx students. Many colleges are also being recognized with equity designations for supporting Black and Latinx students to access and succeed in transfer-level math and English.
Honorees
Campuswide Transfer-Level English Success - California Community Colleges supporting
students to complete transfer-level English within one year of initially enrolling in an English
course.
Coastline Community College
Foothill College
San Diego Miramar College
“We applaud the record number of community colleges (56) being recognized for their
achievement in supporting students to access and succeed in transfer-level coursework – many of
which are being recognized in several categories. These colleges are improving the college
experience of thousands of students across California. We urge our state and college leaders to
continue removing barriers for students and further close racial/ethnic equity gaps for students by
ensuring strong equitable placement practices on their campus,” concluded Siqueiros.
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