California Hardens Heart - Tells Students to Join Fastrack or Leave

Barry My Liege :

Now, it's official - students have to grow up, now.

In California you don't have time to try out things or explore different directions.

If you don't commit to a four year plan, you can't enroll in Community College.

That means that immigrants who want to learn English so they can communicate with their Americanized grandchildren, downsized folks who want to train for a new job and average kids who are not sure of what they want to do by age 18 are all out of luck.

There is no room in the California Community College system for them anymore.

Jeffery Fang, a City College of San Francisco student says it best : 'it won't be possible to require students to develop education plans because there aren't enough counselors to help them. He said the new rules also "will pretty much shut out re-entry students because they have too many units."'

My Liege, the hands that used to offer help are withdrawn. Folks who look for that helping hand are left to the marketplace.

Here's what the market sounds like -

'Step right up! English language lessons for 4 weeks of 50 minutes per lesson, four lessons per week, that's 28 lessons with free access to our library for only $1,500. But wait, student loans are available. Our consellors will help you apply. Don't be left out. Other plans are available and REMEMBER - SOME CLASSES QUALIFY FOR A STUDENT VISA!!!

Don't forget, community college classes are not available to you so you can no longer sign up for classes at $150 per semester. This is your best deal.'

It is just sad.

These colleges have been a stairway to the middle class for generations of students of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds.

My Liege, we undestand that money is short everywhere.

But, how can it help our country to take away a ladder to the middle class?

Here is the article : http://www.sfgate.com/education/article/Community-colleges-No-room-for-lingerers-3854934.php

Your faithful servant,