California created a Master Plan for Higher Education in 1960. The goal of the plan was to "balance the competing needs of fostering excellence and guaranteeing educational access for all." The Master Plan determined that the UC would accept the top 12.5% of graduating seniors in the state, the CSU system would accept the top third, and the community college would accept the top 100%. That's right. The community college would accept everyone--even if they don't have a high school diploma (and with no fees initially they even accepted people with no money). The Master Plan was revised in 1972, but the intent of a system that served the three tiers of need--top students guaranteed a spot in the UC system, top third guaranteed a spot in the CSU system, and anyone guaranteed a spot at a community college--continued to be there. The community college fees have increased from $0 to only $26 since 1960 which has has kept the vision of education for everyone more attainable than in any other state.
This is one of the most beautiful and powerful documents in the world!!!! Here in California we are committed to educating all our citizens!
Sadly, this vision is in danger. Here is an article from the LA Times :-( I understand the budget difficulties, but that is the time when the vision needs to be strongest. The state needs to have a plan for higher education. Where are the values that led to the drafting of the Master Plan. Do we really believe in higher education for the few?
1 comment:
So passionate! :) I've always marveled at the community colleges that would offer undergrad classes for essentially the cost of a book. And I agree with you on the importance of keeping it alive! We see our (poor, underserved) students having to deplete all their student loans doing pre-req and general studies...the community colleges are not a luxury; for them, it's absolutely necessary.
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