California’s 63-year-old higher education plan could use a reality check

Date:

DAN WALTERS | Contributed

During the 1950s and 1960s, California’s population boomed, prompting political leaders to respond with ambitious plans for public services.

New freeways, schools, dams, and a master plan for higher education were envisioned. However, after six decades, California’s population has nearly tripled but is now stalling at just under 40 million and experiencing a slow decline.

Many planned freeways were never built, public school enrollment is declining, and the Master Plan for Higher Education hasn’t achieved its goals. The state’s three collegiate systems – University of California, California State University, and community colleges – have become more competitive than cooperative, leading to friction over academic turf and funding.

Students’ demands have exceeded supply and budgetary constraints, blurring the lines between the systems. Community colleges have started offering limited bachelor’s degrees, leading to conflict with state universities that want to award doctorates.

Transferring credits between levels has been challenging, with community college graduates struggling to gain admission to four-year schools despite the master plan’s promises. Current legislative measures, like Assembly Bill 656 granting CSU authority to award doctorates, highlight ongoing conflicts over degree authority.

Additionally, Assembly Bill 1749 faces opposition from CSU as it aims to make transfers between colleges easier. These issues demonstrate that the Master Plan for Higher Education is outdated and in need of modernization to address 21st-century realities rather than being based on 1960s theories.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share post:

Subscribe to The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Popular

More like this
Related

Biden administration pledges $6 billion to a pair of high-speed electric rail routes in the US West

The Biden administration on Tuesday said it will give more than $6 billion to a pair of high-speed electric rail routes in the U.S. West, injecting new life into long-stalled projects hailed by supporters as the future of public transportation but bemoaned by critics for their high price tags and lengthy construction times.

WRITERS CORNER

I received a note from Melissa in San Bernardino. Her question was, “Why do I need a line editor? I have a spell check.” That is a question that needs to be answered, and Melissa isn’t aware of some of the rudiments of completing any manuscript.

Soboba Indian Health Clinic appreciates its patients

Although Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health Inc. has been hosting Patient Appreciation Day events for more than a dozen years, Nov. 15 marked the first time one was held at the new Soboba Indian Health Clinic, which opened in March.

Suzanne Somers laid to rest in custom Timberland boots, celebrated at ‘Tequila & Tributes’ memorial

She may have been more known for high heels, but Suzanne Somers was laid to rest in a pair of Timberland boots. Said a pal of the significance of the footwear, customized with loving messages from her devoted hubby of more than 45 years: “They loved to go hiking all the time, they loved the mountains.