WHEREAS, Literacy is a fundamental skill necessary for academic success, upward mobility, and civic engagement, yet California Community College students face significant literacy challenges, and many students enter community colleges without college-level reading proficiency [1,2];
WHEREAS, According to research, access to books and reading materials significantly improves literacy rates, yet many California Community College students struggle to afford books, have limited access to library resources, or do not engage in regular reading [2]; and
WHEREAS, The Student Senate for California Community Colleges promotes student success and equity, aligning with the Vision for Success goals set by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, which emphasize improving student outcomes and reducing equity gaps [3,4]; Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for increased funding and resources for literacy programs, including tutoring services, reading workshops, and digital literacy initiatives, to support students struggling with reading comprehension and academic literacy;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage community colleges to implement free or low-cost book initiatives, such as campus book drives, book-sharing programs, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations to provide students with greater access to reading material; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges promote literacy awareness campaigns, including "Reading Weeks," author visits, and student-led book clubs, to foster a culture of reading and intellectual engagement within community colleges.
Citations:
[1] National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL): National Center for Education Statistics. "Demographics." National Assessment of Adult Literacy, U.S. Department of Education, nces.ed.gov/naal/kf_demographics.asp. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
[2] Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) Report on Remedial Education: Burdman, Pamela. "Remedial Education in California's Colleges and Universities." Public Policy Institute of California, Oct. 2012, www.ppic.org/publication/remedial-education-in-californias-colleges-and-universities/. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
[3] Community College Research Center (CCRC) Study on Literacy and Degree Completion: Bailey, Thomas, et al. "Referral, Enrollment, and Completion in Developmental Education Sequences in Community Colleges." Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University, Feb. 2010,
ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/publications/referral-enrollment-completion-developmental-education.html. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
[4] California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Vision for Success Report: California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. "Vision for Success: Strengthening the California Community Colleges to Meet California’s Needs." California Community Colleges, July 2017, www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Reports/vision-for-success.pdf. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025. These sources provide the foundational evidence supporting the resolution's advocacy for enhanced literacy initiatives within the California Community Colleges system.