Education

CCC and UC: An Evaluation of Best Value Procurement Pilot Programs

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December 21, 2017 - Chapter 708 of 2012 (Pavley) created pilot programs authorizing best value (BV) in the procurement of goods and services at the California Community Colleges (CCC) and the University of California (UC). Under the BV pilot programs, CCC and UC can consider noncost factors—such as quality and experience—when selecting vendors, rather than selecting vendors based solely on lowest cost. Chapter 708 required CCC and UC to provide our office with certain information on their use of BV during the pilot period. Based on that information, the legislation further required our office to recommend whether to continue CCC's and UC's BV authority. This report fulfills that requirement.

California Public Higher Education: Funding Supplemental Services for Low-Income and First-Generation Students

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December 20, 2017 - The Supplemental Report of the 2017-18 Budget Act required our office to examine how much existing funding and support is provided to these students and identify options for increasing that funding and support. This report fulfills this requirement.

California Community Colleges: Interim Evaluation of Baccalaureate Degree Pilot Program

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December 19, 2017 - Chapter 747 of 2014 (SB 850, Block) authorizes California Community Colleges (CCC) to offer baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degrees on a pilot basis at 15 community college districts. It also requires the Legislative Analyst’s Office to conduct an interim evaluation of the pilot program. This report fulfills that statutory requirement. In this report, we provide background on CCC’s role in California’s higher education system and describe the main components of the statewide pilot program. We then (1) describe and evaluate the selection of the pilot bachelor’s degree programs, (2) provide initial information about students participating in the pilot programs, and (3) discuss the financing of these programs. We conclude by identifying issues for the Legislature to consider as the 15 colleges continue implementing the pilot program.

Overview of Higher Education in California

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August 31, 2017 - Presented to Assembly Select Committee on the Master Plan for Higher Education in California

Overview of Student Loans

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August 29, 2017 - Presented to: Select Committee on Youth and California’s Future and Assembly Committee on Banking and Finance

Overview of California Community Colleges (CCC) Conference Issues

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June 2, 2017 - Presented to Budget Conference Committee

The 2017-18 Budget: Analysis of the May Revision Education Proposals

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May 15, 2017 - In this brief, we analyze the Governor’s May Revision education proposals. First, we review changes in the overall Proposition 98 funding level. Subsequently, we describe and assess the Governor’s major proposals for K‑12 education, child care and preschool, the California Community Colleges, the California State University, the University of California, and student financial aid.

5/16/17: Correction to LAO CalWORKs Stage 2 cost estimates.

The 2017-18 Budget: California Community Colleges

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April 18, 2017 - Presented to: Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance

California Community Colleges: Effects of Increases in Noncredit Course Funding Rates

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March 30, 2017 - In this report, we assess the effects of recent changes in state funding rates on California Community Colleges (CCC) noncredit courses, and recommend that the Legislature explore four key issues moving forward. We believe that by addressing the appropriate funding rates for noncredit instruction, the respective roles and definitions of credit and noncredit instruction, the accessibility of such instruction across the state, and the system the state has for measuring the effectiveness of noncredit and adult education, the Legislature could improve significantly the effectiveness of noncredit and adult education in California over the coming years.

The 2017-18 Budget: California Community Colleges

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March 23, 2017 - Presented to: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education

Overview of Adult Education

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March 23, 2017 - Presented to: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education

Overview of Student Loan Marketplace

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March 22, 2017 - Presented to: Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee

Overview of Remedial Education at the State’s Public Higher Education Segments

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March 1, 2017 - Presented to Senate Education Committee

The 2017-18 Budget: Higher Education Analysis

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February 16, 2017 - In this report, we analyze the Governor's higher education budget proposals. Our many recommendations for consideration by the legislature include: providing base increases for the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and California Community Colleges (CCC); improving implementation of existing student support programs before expanding upon other initiatives being put forward by the administration and other segments; and asking the administration to provide certain additional information about the CCC guided pathways and CCC Chancellor’s Office staffing proposals during spring budget hearings.

Creating a Debt Free College Program

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January 31, 2017 - The Supplemental Report of the 2016-17 Budget Act directs our office to estimate the cost of a new state financial aid program intended to eliminate the need for students to take on college debt. We estimate such a program for resident undergraduate students attending public colleges in California would cost $3.3 billion annually, on top of all existing gift aid. Adding certain eligibility requirements to the program could reduce these costs notably. For several reasons, the new program likely would reduce but not eliminate student loan debt. Additionally, the new program could create behavioral changes not factored into our estimate.