A Case Study Report of a Comprehensive Benchmarking Review of the Status of Vocational Education Students in California: Building a New Relationship between Community Colleges and California State University System

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to establish and provide legislators and educational leaders with adequate and appropriate information to make intelligent decisions on the growth and development of Vocational/occupational education in California community colleges. This study also established the importance of continued support for AB1725. AB1725 validates the articulated programs for vocational training by K-12 districts, community colleges, and the 4-year institutions in California (O’Lawrence, 2005). Under the articulation agreement regarding vocational programs, the Board of Governors and the State Board of Education will assist school and community college districts in developing articulated programs that coordinate vocational education instruction of final two years in high school and two years of community colleges (2 + 2 programs); and the Board of Governors to also work with the Trustees of the California State University in expanding the 2 + 2 programs to include the final two years of the baccalaureate degree (2 + 2 + 2 programs).