Join us in urging Governor Newsom to 

sign AB 1705!

The Campaign for College Opportunity together with student advocates from across California's public colleges and universities and over 50 education, civil rights and business organizations are calling on Governor Newsom to remove barriers to transfer-level courses by signing AB 1705 (Irwin).

Join us in urging Governor Newsom to sign AB 1705 so that students are no longer derailed from achieving their college dreams!

Too often, California community college students are placed in remedial courses that are demoralizing, timely, costly, and do not count toward a certificate, degree, or transfer. AB 1705 would ensure students are placed into transfer-level courses instead, keeping them on track to achieve their college dreams. 

Already, landmark legislation in 2017, AB 705, has opened up access for thousands of students to start in college-level English and math, 96% for English and 78% for math, but too many students are being deprived of that opportunity because of uneven implementation by community colleges across the state. That is why AB 1705 is needed - to ensure every student has the opportunity to start college in the courses they need to be successful.

AB 1705 is inextricably tied to achieving Governor Newsom's landmark 70% college-attainment goal by 2030 as outlined in the 2022-23 state budget. Student-centered policies, like equitable placement, that are needed to reach the 70% attainment goal and close racial/ ethnic equity gaps will ensure California yields more than $60 billion in state returns, stronger and more resilient communities, a diverse and vibrant middle class, and the continuation of California as a major global economy.

AB 1705 has made its way through the California legislature with unanimous support and together with Governor Newsom, the state allocated over $60 million to support the implementation of equitable course placement. The time for equitable placement across all of California community colleges is now. Join us!

Removing Barriers with Equitable Placement Policy

In 2018, first-generation student Tariq Azim planned on attending community college for two years and then transfer to a four-year college. His plans were nearly jeopardized when an academic counselor told him he was not ready for transfer-level courses.

"Remedial education is holding California community college students back from achieving their full potential," writes student leader Tariq Azim. " I know this because it nearly held me back, and as a local and statewide student advocate, I’ve seen it happen to countless peers.

As a student leader, Tariq continues to advocate for removing barriers to student success. "I urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 1705 to enact the structural change that will help students like me and the many I've represented to succeed in our pursuit of higher education."

Learn more about implementation of equitable course placement policies