Ed Code basics for CTE

According to University of California testimony before the state legislature, the A-G system was not intended as a set of rules to dictate what would be included in the high school curriculum.  Rather, it was a set of expectations for courses that would meet specific preparation for students electing to apply to the UC.  Unfortunately as you know, A-G has been adopted wholesale by many school districts as a de facto template for the high school curriculum. In such districts, courses that do not meet A-G requirements are simply not offered, to anyone, or have been moved entirely to the ROP program, if there is one available.

In a move that did not engage any discussion with the CSU programs that would be most affected, and also an odd move since the application requirements for the CSU system are very different from those for the UC, the CSU later adopted the same A-G system and currently refuses to accept units or grade points earned in CTE courses that have not passed A-G review from students who are applying to the CSU System.  Due to biases in the A-G process, there are at this time almost no courses in ITE subjects that have passed such review, while there are thousands in such areas as Theatre Arts, Performing Arts, Stage Design, Multimedia production, and many other fields that have passed such review.

It is also important to note that the UC A-G approval process does not in any way relate to program quality, rather only to what the UC perceives as appropriate college-preparatory work.  None of the criteria they use reflect well on the qualities that must be part of an effective CTE program - development of technological literacy, industry relevance, adherence to industry standards, and effective preparation for a career.

Based on the passage of AB1543, now signed:  If by July 1, 2008, the CSU system has created standards for this new ed code those standards will apply to high school CTE courses. If the CSU system has not created standards by that date, then the current state approved standards will apply, and courses which meet these standards will be accepted for grade point and unit credit toward CSU admissions.

CITEA does not think that there will be a submission process like the A-G that UC uses, as that would not be consistent with the intent or text of the legislation.  We (CITEA) will attempt to be there on the front lines to make sure that any process is fair and treated like other courses that are used for CSU admission.

The Ed Code and bill citations are attached. SB 1543 is now law, (signed by the Governor) is now Ed Code 66205.9 and will be applied after July 1, 2007.

Spread the word. Many administrators at the high school, community college and university level are not aware of the new law. We (CITEA) are attempting to work with CSU admission offices and many of them are also not aware of Ed Code 66205.9 and the requirements. CITEA wants the CSU folks to know that we expect them to abide by the law and accept these CTE courses for admission after Juy 1!

CITEA worked very hard to make this happen. We need your support during the implementation period. Let us know if you or your students submit CTE courses for CSU admission and get turned down, especially after next July 1.

Remember, we ARE NOT TALKING A-G - A-G is not state law; rather it is a policy of the UC system that has been adopted by the CSU.  We are talking about complience with the law, Ed Code 66205.9!

Attached please find a copy of the new legislation, as well as a primer for CTE instructors on important parts of the California Education Code.  Please print the primer and keep it handy!

John Chocholak
Legislative Liaison, CITEA

Seth Bates
Professor, San Jose State University
President, CITEA