Spotlight on Special Populations: Enrollment and Success in Transfer-Level English and Math - Updated Analysis of AB 705 Impact

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai

The RP Group analyzes how AB 705 affects access to and success in transfer-level English and math across California Community Colleges for special population groups. Using direct enrollment and one-year throughput for cohorts beginning between fall 2015 and fall 2023, the brief tracks changes through the 2023–2024 academic year. Results show substantial statewide gains, with many groups reaching or exceeding 99% transfer-level English enrollment, while DSPS, foster youth, Umoja, and veterans lag in specific state metrics.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Multiple Measures Assessment Project (MMAP) Overview

Methodology

Key Findings

Enrollment in Transfer-Level English and Math Has Increased Substantially for Special Populations

Key Terms

Spotlight on Special Populations: Enrollment and Success in TransferLevel English and Math Updated Analysis of AB 705 Impact in the California Community Colleges [January 2025 |](January 2025 | www.rpgroup.org)[ www.rpgroup.org](January 2025 | www.rpgroup.org) Introduction The RP Group’s Multiple Measures Assessment Project (MMAP) regularly examines the impact of AB 705 – landmark legislation designed to increase students’ access to and success in transfer-level English and math across the California Community Colleges (see sidebar) . As part of the analysis, we look at whether the legislation is having an equal impact across student groups. In the period immediately following AB 705 implementation in fall 2019, our researchi found positive results for special population groups such as students impacted by the foster care system, veterans, and those participating in Disabled Students Programs and Services ( DSPS)ii and Extended Opportunities Programs and Services ( EOPS) . iii Significant gains were seen in students’enrollment in transfer-level English and math, as well as improvements in students’completion of these courses within one year for every special population subgroup. This brief provides current insights on the rates for special population groups with updated data through the 2023-2024 academic year. Overall, the results showed continued gains in student access and success in transfer-level English and math for every special population. At the same time, some groups continue to lag in certain state metrics, including students in DSPS, foster youth, Umoja, and veterans programs. Multiple Measures Assessment Project (MMAP) Overview The RP Group launched MMAP in 2014 to support the advancement of developmental education reform in the California Community Colleges. MMAP now supports the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office with the implementation of AB 705 and AB 1705, which seek to improve equitable placement into and completion of transferlevel English and math courses required for a student’s program. Learn more about this work at [www.rpgroup.org/mmap](www.rpgroup.org/mmap). Methodology The RP Group analyzed “direct enrollments” in transfer-level English and math for student cohorts starting at any of the 116 California Community Colleges in a fall term between fall 2015 and fall 2023. Direct enrollment includes students whose first course in the discipline is at the transfer level, in a fall term of the year identified. We also analyzed “throughput” for each entering fall cohort. We define this metric as the proportion of students who take and successfully complete transfer-level English and math courses (with A, B, C, P, or CR grades) within one year of their first attempt (i.e., fall, winter, spring, summer terms) out of the full cohort of incoming students who take any level course in the discipline (basic skills through transfer) (see Key Terms sidebar) . We included disaggregations for student characteristics reported to the state Chancellor’s Office Management Information System (COMIS) . Enrollment in special programs (i.e., DSPS, EOPS, veterans, foster youth) was based on students’participation at any point within the timeframe of the data file (2015-2024) .1 Program participation did not have to take place at the time of enrollment in a math or English course. Key Findings Enrollment in Transfer-Level English and Math Has Increased Substantially for Special Populations. Special population groups have experienced remarkable increases in their direct enrollment in transfer-level English and mathematics courses across all student groups since the implementation of AB 705 (see Table 1, Figure 1) . Overall statewide trends show that student access increased by +56 percentage points in English and +73 percentage points in math from fall 2015 to fall 2023. For the fall 2015 cohort, direct enrollment in transfer-level English was as low as 8% for Puenteiv students and

FAQs

What does the report analyze regarding AB 705 in California Community Colleges?

It examines how AB 705 impacts students’ access to and success in transfer-level English and math, with attention to whether effects differ across special population groups.

How does the report measure “direct enrollment” and “throughput”?

Direct enrollment is students’ first enrollment in the discipline at the transfer level. Throughput is the proportion who enroll at any starting level and successfully complete transfer-level English or math within one academic year.

What overall trends does the report report for special populations after AB 705?

The report finds continued and substantial gains in both enrollment access and course completion within one year for every special population group, though some groups lag in certain state metrics.

Which groups continue to lag in some state metrics, according to the report?

The report notes continued lag for students in DSPS, foster youth, Umoja, and veterans programs in certain state measures.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai