Overview of AB 1460 and Its Impact on California Community Colleges (CCCs)

Overview of AB 1460 and Its Impact on California Community Colleges (CCCs)

Introduction to Ethnic Studies in California Community Colleges

  • Ethnic studies programs have faced significant opposition since the late 1960s.

  • Despite challenges, ethnic studies programs have been established in over fifty CCCs.

  • Movements to integrate ethnic studies into curricula at high school and university levels are gaining momentum.

  • California Assembly Bill 1460 mandates ethnic studies for bachelor’s degrees at California State University (CSU) starting in Fall 2021.

Definition and Scope of Ethnic Studies

  • Ethnic studies focus on the experiences and contributions of African-American, Asian-American, Latinx-American, and Native American communities in the U.S.

  • The discipline employs an interdisciplinary approach, combining history, economics, politics, and social science.

  • Ethnic studies address the historical exclusion of marginalized groups from U.S. history.

  • The field encourages critical thinking and social engagement to uplift communities, emphasizing the importance of intersectionality and advocacy.

Evidence of Ethnic Studies Effectiveness

  • A study conducted at Stanford University (Donald, 2016) evaluated the impact of mandatory ethnic studies courses in San Francisco high schools:

    • Findings showed increased GPA and course completion rates, particularly among boys and Latinx students.

Legislative Developments Surrounding AB 1460

Timeline of Key Events

  • January 2014: CSU Chancellor Timothy White initiated the creation of a state-wide Task Force on the Advancement of Ethnic Studies.

  • January 30, 2016: The task force submitted a report with ten recommendations to enhance ethnic studies, including:

    • Establishing a general education ethnic studies requirement across CSU.

    • Enhancing hiring and curriculum development in ethnic studies departments.

  • August 23, 2017: Chancellor White implemented changes to General Education Breadth Requirement Executive Order 1100 (EO 1100).

    • Purpose: Clarify graduation requirements and promote equitable student opportunities.

    • Note: EO 1100 did not incorporate an ethnic studies requirement despite task force recommendations.

  • August 2020: Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1460, requiring ethnic studies courses for all CSU students.

    • Requirement states that students must complete one 3-unit ethnic studies course to graduate.

Implementation of AB 1460

  • The Academic Senate for CSU (ASCSU) engaged in discussions to define ethnic studies curricula.

  • These discussions resulted in revisions to CSU General Education Breadth Requirements on December 3, 2020:

    • Introduction of Area F (Ethnic Studies) while reducing Area D (Social Sciences) units from nine to six.

Community College Responses to AB 1460

Resolutions Adopted by ASCCC

  • Resolution 09.03 Fall 2020: Directed ASCCC to collaborate with the CCC Chancellor’s Office to:

    • Amend Title 5 §55063 to make ethnic studies a compulsory graduation requirement for all associate degrees (including those transferring to CSU and UC).

  • Resolution 09.04 Fall 2020: Aimed at creating a general education area for ethnic studies:

    • Proposes adding a fifth general education area in Title 5 §55063 that specifically pertains to ethnic studies.

    • Would apply only to local associate degrees, excluding students who fulfill general education through IGETC.

    • Students transferring to CSU can choose between the CSU-GE or IGETC breadth patterns.

Recommendations for Implementation at Community Colleges

  1. Formulate a cross-discipline faculty work group to determine courses meeting EO 1100’s core competencies for Area F Ethnic Studies.

  2. Identify courses with relevant prefixes such as African-American, Asian-American, Latinx-American, Native American Studies, Pan-African Studies, American Indian Studies, Chicana/o Studies, or Ethnic Studies.

  3. Ensure courses undergo local curriculum approval aligned with EO 1100 standards.

Catalog and System Updates

  • Community colleges must update catalogs to reflect the inclusion of CSU-GE Breadth Area F and the new six-unit structure for Area D starting Fall 2021-2022.

  • Implement updates to student management and advising systems to facilitate these changes and address student inquiries effectively.

  • Following local approval, campus ASSIST managers shall enter approved course outlines into ASSIST for CSU transfer approvals.

Conclusion

  • The successful implementation of AB 1460 will require sustained efforts from community colleges to align curricula and support systems with the new ethnic studies requirements. Campus leaders and faculty must actively contribute to addressing concerns and facilitating the transition for students entering the CSU system.