S.B. 740 The College and Career Readiness and College Completion Act Of 2013

1. S.B. 740The College and Career Readiness and College Completion Act Of 2013 Senator Paul Pinsky Education Subcommittee Chair

2. How the Bill Came to Be We have come to understand the need to: • increase the number of college graduates • increase the rigor and preparation for those people entering a workforce that is demanding greater skills and knowledge • reduce remediation required for students entering community colleges and seeking an AA degree or certificate • reduce the cost of college (remedial courses add expense) • close the gap between graduation requirements and college and career readiness

3. Progress Toward Maryland’s 55% College Completion Goal Note: Four-year institutions include Associates degrees awarded to active military by the University of Maryland University College Source: Maryland Higher Education Commission, Data Book 2010 and 2015

4. Students Enrolling in Remedial Courses at Community Colleges 2010-11 Academic Year

5. Students Enrolling in Remedial Courses at Public Four-year Institutions 2010-11

6. Maryland Context • Desire to add rigor to instruction and raise standards and expectations • Adoption and implementation of College and Career Readiness Standards (Common core) • Utilization of PARCC to better assess students • Need to foster cooperation and increased dialogue between K-12, two-year and four-year institutions

7. K-12 Components of SB740 • Addition of a fourth year of math • Assessing students on their ‘readiness’ by the end of their junior year (to enroll directly in credit-bearing courses) • Providing transition courses and/or opportunities to improve areas of weakness during the senior year • Reassessing students to assess ‘readiness’ after completion of transition work • Expand dual enrollment to encourage successful students to enroll in community college courses while in high school

8. Students Dually Enrolled

9. Community College Components • Encourage the use of new remediation models • Require pathways/degree plans upon enrollment • Cap the number of credits needed to earn an AA degree • Codify the goal that students earn an AA before transferring to a four-year institution • Require MHEC to implement a statewide reverse transfer agreement ensuring at least 30 credits transfer

10. Four-year Institution Components • Require pathways and degree plans in place by accumulation of 45 credits • Limit the number of credits needed to achieve a BA/BS degree except for unique programs • Require MHEC to develop and implement a statewide transfer agreement whereby at least 60 credits of general education, elective, and major courses transfer • Require institutions to dedicate institutional-based financial aid for students that transfer with an AA

11. Near Completers Component • Create a publicity campaign to recruit ‘near completers’ to return and complete college for either a 2 or 4 year degree • Create a single point of entry for students wishing more information about completing college • Create a fund to assist those students whose only barrier was limited ability to afford tuition

12. What’s Next? • Implement those parts of SB 740 not yet completed • Systemize transfer policy with common course numbers • Continue to demand rigor in instruction at all levels • Integrate and build on new state standards to close the gap between graduation requirements and college and career readiness