West Hills College Coalinga has been named a 2023 Champion for Excelling in Equitable Course Placement by the Campaign for College Opportunity. The college is among 56 California community colleges recognized at the second annual Excellence in Placement award ceremony for successfully implementing landmark placement policy AB 705.
AB 705, championed by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and signed into law in 2017, has significantly improved student success rates by ensuring that students are placed in transfer-level courses. Before AB 705, many incoming community college students were placed into remedial math and English courses that discouraged and derailed students on their college journeys.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the Campaign for College Opportunity,” said Carla Tweed, President of West Hills College Coalinga. “Our faculty and staff have worked hard to implement equitable placement policies and provide our students with the support and resources they need to succeed. We are committed to continuing this work and ensuring that all of our students have the opportunity to achieve their college dreams.”
West Hills College Coalinga is recognized as a top performer in several categories, including Campuswide English Enrollment, Latinx English Enrollment, and Latinx Math Success. The college successfully supported 100% of their students to enroll directly into transfer-level English coursework and 100% of their Latinx students to do the same. Additionally, at least 60% of their Latinx students who enrolled in a transfer-level math course completed it within one year of their initial enrollment. The college supported their Latinx students to succeed at rates equivalent to or exceeding the student bodies.
“As we celebrate the record number of California community colleges 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 helping build a stronger, more prosperous California. After all, California succeeds when students complete college and earn a degree, certificate, or transfer to a university because of a stronger and smoother pathway.”
The Excellence in Placement award ceremony will occur on May 31, 2023.