Implementation of AB 705

The Governor of California signed the bill, AB 705, on October 13, 2017 to take effect on January 1, 2018. This bill changes the way in which California Community Colleges place students into English and math courses. Based on statistical evidence that high school coursework, high school grades and high school grade point average are better indicators of appropriate placement than the previously used assessment tests, colleges are required to change placement methods.

In accordance with AB 705, Bakersfield College has implemented a new model for guiding students in placement based on their high school GPA and coursework. The objective is to maximize the probability that a student will enter and complete transfer-level coursework in English and math within their first year. We have further designed courses and resources to assist the success of our students in transfer-level courses in their first year.

Fall 2018

Bakersfield College took a "high-touch" approach to notify BC students enrolled in English courses below transfer level during the fall 2018 semester. Faculty hand-delivered personalized letters to students and counselors called them by telephone to inform them of the changes in the English curriculum and placement, how that effected them and instructions on enrolling for the spring 2019 semester.

Spring 2019

As we roll out the details of our implementation, Bakersfield College is taking these further steps:

• Outreach to current students who may need a different math course assigned to their education plan.
• Outreach to current students who may need a different English course assigned to their Education plan.
• Implemented new placement strategies for new students applying for spring 2019 going forward.
• Providing extra support and labs for transfer level courses.

BC Placement

How to determine the level of math or English you should take at Bakersfield College.