SBCTC NEWS LINKS | Articles about – and of interest to – Washington state community and technical colleges
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Gates grant helps math-rusty community-college students
The Seattle Community College District has started prepping students for math placement tests, and finding that most students don't need as much math remediation as standardized placement tests suggest. … With help from a $3 million, three-year Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant, the three Seattle Community College campuses are offering short math-refresher workshops to incoming students, part of a multipronged effort to help students skip math they don't need, compress the time students spend taking math they do need, and make college math more engaging. … Studies show a high-school grade-point average (GPA) is one of the strongest predictors of college success, Stacey said. Among local colleges, Green River Community College has been using high-school GPAs to help place students since 2004. … But because many Seattle Community College students graduated from high school years ago, the school can't rely on old GPAs to place students, [Shannon Waits, coordinator of the community-college test-prep program] said.
The Seattle Times, June 15, 2012
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018446335_college16m.html
Big Bend's 50th commencement Friday
More than 500 people will receive Big Bend Community College diplomas in graduation ceremonies celebrating the college's 50th year Friday.
Columbia Basin Herald, June 15, 2012
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/bbcc/article_cde2796a-b65e-11e1-a54a-0019bb2963f4.html
Graduates make their choices
Twenty-six students will attend Bellevue College, up from just 10 graduates in 2009. Eight more will attend other community colleges in state.
Mercer Island Reporter, June 14, 2012
http://www.mi-reporter.com/news/158891305.html
Video: Schumacher Racing hydroplane’s new look shown off at South Seattle Community College
West Seattle Blog, June 14, 2012
Top grads 2012: Change for the better for West Auburn duo
At first, Miguel Cardenas, an indifferent student, continued, with barely passing grades. But by the end of that first year something lit a fire under him, his grades began a steady arc upward. "Now I can't see myself failing. I have to get a certain grade out of a class," Cardenas said. "I'd also rather solve my problems now. I don't see myself fighting anymore, unless it's to defend my family." Cardenas dream is to become an electrician through an apprenticeship at Puget Sound Electrical. Because he lacks the prerequisites and the waiting list is long, however, he'll attend Green River Community College for two years and transfer to South Seattle Community College.
Auburn Reporter, June 14, 2012
http://www.auburn-reporter.com/news/159124145.html
Seattle Central's New City Collegian: an act of journalistic defiance
Given its history on the campus of Seattle Central Community College, the New City Collegian isn't just a campus newspaper. It's an act of defiance,
The Seattle Times, June 15, 2012
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2018445612_guest16wyman.html
New BBCC president 'impressed' on first visit
New Big Bend Community College President Terry Leas said his first impressions of the college have left him "very much impressed." … Leas said he attended a trustee study session Thursday and liked what he heard. "There's a passion for excellence in teaching and learning here," he said. "Tremendous pride." Leas said in an earlier interview that his first task will be asking professors, students and district patrons their impressions of the college, its strengths and weaknesses and where it should go in the future. Leas said Big Bend's rural setting was an attraction; it's easier to get to know students, faculty and staff in a smaller town, he said.
Columbia Basin Herald, June 15, 2012
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/bbcc/article_0f6c4cac-b732-11e1-908b-001a4bcf887a.html
Inmates celebrate GED graduation
The inmates who earned their GED diplomas donned caps and gowns and ate cake during the ceremony in a jail classroom. The graduates said they hope to better their lives after their release. … Thurston County Chief Corrections Deputy Todd Thoma said the program, co-sponsored by South Puget Sound Community College, is a win-win. … Inmate Torry Holly said he has already been admitted to SPSCC after completing his General Educational Development tests at the jail. He said he hopes to complete a degree in culinary arts. He said the program also helped him complete a financial aid package.
The News Tribune, June 15, 2012
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/06/15/2181683/inmates-celebrate-ged-graduation.html
College student gets keys to free car
A refurbished 1996 Buick Regal donated to the Peninsula College Foundation will allow Ruth Parks to take classes to finish her degree. … “We're very pleased the foundation has been able to make such a real difference in someone's life,” said Mary Hunchberger, executive director of the Peninsula College Foundation and College Advancement. Parks was one of 16 individuals who turned to the Peninsula College Foundation when they learned a car was available to a qualified applicant. Each car donated to the foundation provides the donor with a tax write-off and the college's automotive department with a teaching tool. Once automotive students have refurbished the car, it becomes available to be donated to another student. Applicants write letters to the foundation explaining their need and submit it with a recommendation, said Hunchberger.
Peninsula Daily, June 15, 2012
Obama immigration decision elates students, advocates
Washington immigration-reform advocates said the Obama administration's change in immigration policy will affect thousands of undocumented immigrants in Washington. Bellevue College student Andrea Torres watched President Obama's speech announcing a change in immigration policy two times Friday "just to make sure it was real."
The Seattle Times, June 16, 2012
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018446802_immigrationreax16m.html
Tri-Cities students see opportunity in immigration policy
[Jesus] Larios, a student at Pasco's Columbia Basin College, said that may allow him to join the Navy after college, serve the United States and prove he deserves to be here … Yair Barron, 20, of Pasco, said it has been hard sometimes to work toward a degree in biochemistry when he may not be allowed to use it in the U.S. But Barron, who graduated Friday from CBC, said he has tried to challenge himself and plans to continue to do so at the University of Washington this fall, his next step toward becoming a surgeon.
Tri City Herald, June 16, 2012
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2012/06/16/1989130/tri-cities-students-see-opportunity.html
Columbia Basin College graduates move onto next chapter of life
Mid Columbia Tri City Herald, June 16, 2012
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2012/06/16/1989140/columbia-basin-college-graduates.html
Like Dad, like grad: Terrace father, son earn EdCC diplomas
Randy and Joey Vires of Mountlake Terrace shared an experience Friday night that fathers and sons don't often get to share. They stood next to each other in blue caps and gowns during Edmonds Community College's commencement ceremony. Randy, 52, received an associate degree in pre-nursing. Joey, 22, earned his GED diploma.
The Herald, June 16, 2012
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20120616/NEWS01/706169935
Bellevue College Celebrates Commencement
Bellevue College, June 16, 2012
http://bellevue.patch.com/articles/bellevue-college-celebrates-commencement#photo-10339379
New federal grant can help veterans in Clark College's vocational retraining
A new program for unemployed veterans pays the costs of going to two-year colleges that offer vocational programs, including Clark College. The Veteran Retraining Assistance Program is part of a bill Congress passed last fall to reduce unemployment among former members of the armed forces. Eligible veterans can receive $1,473 per month for 12 months. Applications are accepted now on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Columbian, June 16, 2012
http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/jun/15/federal-grant-help-veterans-clark-college/
SPSCC student lifts voice for justice
The turning point for Khurshida Begum was when her then-8-year-old son asked when she graduated. Begum was embarrassed to admit she dropped out of high school a few months into her sophomore year and achieved her GED only by the push of foster parents. “I had no answer, but I didn’t want to lie to him,” said Begum, 33. Begum is no longer embarrassed. She graduated Friday from South Puget Sound Community College with an Associate of Arts degree, alongside 1,500 of her peers.
The Olympian, June 16, 2012
http://www.theolympian.com/2012/06/16/2142531/spscc-student-lifts-voice-for.html
Mom of two from Vietnam gained confidence along with LCC degree
When Hoa Le left Vietnam to come to America with her husband three years ago, she left behind more than a good job and her homeland. She left her self-esteem. ... In fall 2009, Le entered Lower Columbia College. Friday night, Le, 42, will graduate with honors with a transfer degree in business and a full tuition scholarship to Washington State University Vancouver. "The scholarship is very meaningful to me," said Le, of Longview. "It's helped to achieve my dream. It's not about financial support. It's about motivation and encouragement. I can see the future now."
The Daily News, June 15, 2012
http://tdn.com/news/local/mom-of-two-from-vietnam-gained-confidence-along-with-lcc/article_51ceeb94-b68e-11e1-8284-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz1xtRWD7th
Retired Pasco radiochemist graduating from CBC in vocal music
It's not hard to notice James Noyce when he performs with Columbia Basin College's Chamber Choir. The Pasco man has a nice baritone voice, said associate music professor and choir director Dave Cazier, adding that Noyce can serve as a tenor if necessary. But even without his voice, Noyce said people attending choral performances easily could figure out who he is. “I'm the one with the white hair," he said. Already with three college degrees, including a doctorate, the 71-year-old retired radiochemist has studied music at CBC for almost five years. He'll graduate with an associate's degree in vocal music today.
Tri-City Herald, June 15, 2012
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/06/15/2181673/retired-pasco-radiochemist-graduating.html
Columbia Basin College graduates move onto next chapter of life
Nursing students from Columbia Basin College gathered outside the Toyota Center in Kennewick on Friday night, hooting and hollering as they waited for their graduation ceremony.
Tri-City Herald, June 16, 2012
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/06/16/2182995/columbia-basin-college-graduates.html
Photo Gallery: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2012/06/15/1989063/columbia-basin-college2012-graduation.html
Ten new bus routes, cheaper passes planned for SVC students
Skagit Valley College students will have an easier — and less expensive — commute when school starts in September. By Sept. 4, Skagit Transit will add 10 direct round trips a day between Sedro-Woolley and the college. Currently, there’s one direct trip from Sedro-Woolley in the morning to the college and another at night on Route 717. Otherwise it takes students three transfers and more than an hour to get to Sedro-Woolley, according to a press release from the college...Bus pass prices will have a significant drop in September due to a collaboration between Skagit Transit, the college and the Associated Students of Skagit Valley College...
Skagit Valley Herald, June 15, 2012
http://www.skagit.edu/files3.asp_Q_pagenumber_E_2960
71 year-old CBC grad pursues his musical passion
Hundreds of students are preparing to graduate from Columbia Basin College tonight - and one Pasco man will be collecting his fourth degree. Pasco's James Noyce isn't your ordinary college graduate. For starters he's 71 years old, and already has three college degrees, including a Ph.D. in radiochemistry. And tonight, he'll walk again for a fourth diploma. This one in music.
KVEW TV, June 15, 2012
http://www.kvewtv.com/article/2012/jun/15/71-year-old-cbc-grad-pursues-his-musical-passion/
CBC commencement record numbers
A record number of Columbia Basin College students are graduating over the next week.
KNDU TV/KNDO TV, June 16, 2012
http://www.kndu.com/category/189473/video-center?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7407182
Tri-Cities students see opportunity in immigration policy
Now, Larios, 19, who is an illegal immigrant, said he might get the chance, thanks to an administrative change announced Friday by the Department of Homeland Security. The federal government will stop deporting young adult illegal immigrants who do not present a safety risk and will allow those eligible illegal immigrants to apply for a work permit, according to the announcement. Larios, a student at Pasco's Columbia Basin College, said that may allow him to join the Navy after college, serve the United States and prove he deserves to be here. He's lived in the United States for the past eight years.
Tri-City Herald, June 16, 2012
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2012/06/16/1989130/tri-cities-students-see-opportunity.html
Holden’s playing, coaching career spans length of Title IX
Holden has experienced nearly the full length of Title IX’s 40-year history, following her athletic years with a highly successful coaching career that produced a state basketball championship at West Valley and three NWAACC titles at Columbia Basin College.
Yakima Herald, June 17, 2012
http://sportsyakima.com/2012/06/title-ix-living-the-journey/
Getting a real-world look at chemistry
A Diet Coke and Mentos fountain spewed in one corner of the playground at Lincoln Elementary, as green foam frothed from a tall beaker in another. “This was so cool,” a sixth-grade girl gushed, her gloved hands covered in the green stuff. “OMG.” That excitement is precisely the point. Thursday’s chemistry demonstrations at the elementary school are a new partnership between Lincoln’s sixth-grade class and Skagit Valley College chemistry students, meant to connect the younger students to science in a real-world way, said sixth-grade teacher Alicia Farmer. “It shows kids science is not just in a book; it has real-world applications,” she said...
Skagit Valley Herald, June 18, 2012
http://www.skagit.edu/files3.asp_Q_pagenumber_E_2960
Graduation day for SVC students
Jennifer Hall gets some help putting on her cap from her boyfriend, Kyle Turner, Sunday before the graduation ceremony at Skagit Valley College’s Mount Vernon campus. About 360 students walked during the ceremony...
Skagit Valley Herald, June 18, 2012
http://www.skagit.edu/files3.asp_Q_pagenumber_E_2960
Walla Walla, Texas Tech claim college rodeo titles
Walla Walla Community College claimed the men's title, and Texas Tech the women's championship in the College National Finals Rodeo over the weekend in Casper.
Casper Star-Tribune Online, June 18, 2012
English instructor honored for excellence in education
Edmonds Community College English Instructor Holly Hughes has received the 2012 Excellence in Education Award from the college’s trustees. The award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to education and the college’s mission.
Edmonds Beacon, June 18, 2012
http://edmondsbeacon.villagesoup.com/schools/story/english-instructor-honored-for-excellence-in-education/840459
SSCC commencement will celebrate student success June 19
West Seattle Herald, June 18, 2012
http://www.westseattleherald.com/2012/06/18/news/sscc-commencement-will-celebrate-student-success-
Letter: Shifting college pattern is advised
The point: students can complete the first two years of an engineering program at Clark and then transfer to UW, WSU, or another four-year engineering program as a junior. In this way they reduce the cost of their engineering degree by about $12,000. Clark College has one of the largest community college engineering programs in Washington state and supports all the major engineering fields
The Columbian, June 18, 2012
http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/jun/18/06-18-col-mon-letters/
BBCC graduates 50th class
Columbia Basin Herald, June 18, 2012
http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/bbcc/article_eb4d7116-b993-11e1-9d26-001a4bcf887a.html
Washington View: Education not yet the great equalizer
Column by Don C. Brunell, President Association of Washington Business. According to the Alliance for Excellent Education, remedial education for incoming college students costs the United States an estimated $5.6 billion a year. Remedial courses are necessary because high school graduates do not test well enough in math, English, reading or science to get into entry-level college classes. According to Washington’s State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, 57 percent of high school graduates entering state community and technical colleges require varying degrees of remedial education. In the 2009-2010 school year, more than half of incoming students took what were termed “pre-college” courses at a cost of $65.7 million — money drained from the state’s general fund and tuition payments.
The Columbian, June 19, 2012
http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/jun/19/education-not-yet-the-great-equalizer/
SPSCC library to get new home
A symphony of zings, clunks and beep-beep-beeps from heavy machinery has taken center stage at South Puget Sound Community College. Construction crews are working on the demolition portion of a major interior and exterior renovation of Building 22, a pre-engineered steel structure that dates to the late 1970s, according to Penny Koal, the college’s dean for facilities planning and operations. The two-story building was SPSCC’s first permanent building; over the years, it’s been home to the automotive and welding programs, natural science classes and instructional offices. When finished, the 90,000-square-foot building will house the college’s library and media services. It also will serve as a “one stop shopping place” for student services such as financial aid, counseling, testing and admissions, according to SPSCC spokesman Aaron Managhan.
The Olympian, June 20, 2012
http://www.theolympian.com/2012/06/20/2147074/spscc-library-to-get-new-home.html
Editorial: Road's slow-mo makeover
It's like seeing a facelift in slow motion. North Broadway is changing, bit by bit, as Everett Community College continues its admirable work to remake a section of one of the city's busiest roads. Crews are now erecting a new facility dedicated to EvCC's nursing and health science programs. The $37.5 million building, scheduled to open in spring 2013, will take the place of the derelict old Royal Motor Inn, which sat at the corner of Broadway and 10th, and was torn down as part of construction efforts. … The road has needed help for years -- a jumping off point to revitalize the five-lane throughway -- and increasingly, it looks like EvCC is the leading candidate for the job.
The Herald, June 20, 2012
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20120620/OPINION01/706209963/-1/opinion#
Aerospace promotion day for Washington governor
Gov. Chris Gregoire is promoting Washington's aerospace industry Wednesday in a series of events. The first stop is Renton Technical College to see what students learn in the basic drilling and riveting course. … The governor's office says she's celebrating training and education programs that help provide the workforce for 700 aerospace companies in the state
The Wenatchee World, June 20, 2012
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2012/jun/20/aerospace-promotion-day-for-washington-governor/
TRENDS| HORIZONS | EDUCATION
Overkill on Remediation?
Complete College America wants to abolish remedial courses, but some say its policy push is not always backed by research and its rhetoric can be unfair to community colleges.
Inside Higher Ed, June 19, 2012
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/06/19/complete-college-america-declares-war-remediation
Teachers’ Union to Open Lesson-Sharing Web Site
… the American Federation of Teachers is forming a partnership with TSL Education, the British publisher of the weekly Times Educational Supplement, to create a Web site where teachers can share curriculum materials with one another
The New York Times, June 19, 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/19/us/teachers-union-to-open-lesson-sharing-web-site.html?_r=1&ref=us
Op-ed: Everyone has an interest in getting a handle on student debt
The News Tribune, June 20, 2012
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/06/20/2187777/everyone-has-an-interest-in-getting.html
Editorial: State [College Bound] scholarship program warrants close scrutiny
Tri-City Herald, June 19, 2012
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2012/06/19/1991921/state-scholarship-program-warrants.html
Enrollment boom forces community colleges to invest in technology
Converge Magazine, May 22, 2012
http://www.convergemag.com/classtech/Technology-Investments-CC.html
Opinion: Worst may finally be over for higher education here
By Elson S. Floyd, president of Washington State University
The Herald, June 17, 2012
The “What If?” Committee: Confessions of a Community College Dean
My college needs a “what if?” committee, but I’m not sure how to make it happen. Most of the existing committees are task-based. Curriculum committee, for example, approves or disapproves suggested changes to courses or programs. That’s a necessary function, and it’s fine as far as it goes. But it’s necessarily reactive; it responds to proposals brought to it.
Inside Higher Ed, June 20, 2012
POLITICS | LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL
Rivers is clear front-runner to succeed Sen. Zarelli
Longview Daily News, June 20, 2012
Compiled by the Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges
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