accel Forum2Tuesday, October 14, brought together educators from Skyline College and local adult schools to discuss alignment of the two systems of education.  Nearly fifty people were in attendance to learn about the progress that the San Mateo AB 86 consortium, ACCEL, has made on this project.  Following closely on the heels of the statewide AB 86 Summit held in Sacramento on October 6 and 7, the participants of the Skyline College ACCEL forum analyzed strategies and gave input on key elements needed for a successful alignment of systems.

Facilitator Paul Downs masterfully guided the group into productive breakout sessions where common concerns were highlighted and discussed.  Potential partners and collaborations such as connecting to local businesses and broadening the Career Advancement Academies took prominence in the afternoon’s conversations.

ACCEL’s North County team meets on October 23 at South San Francisco Adult Education on Southwood Avenue.  Any interested participants are asked to contact co-chair Leigh Anne Shaw at shawl@smccd.edu for information on getting involved.

Special thanks go to Mary Gutierrez and Michael Manneh for coordination of food and facilities for the event, to Pacific Dining for the delicious lunch, and to ESOL instructor Julie Carey for assisting in making the event a success.

Article by Leigh Anne Shaw