Streamlining Remediation To Help Students Graduate
By Dr. Marciene Mattleman
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Community colleges have gained large numbers of students in the past few years… some planning four year degrees but starting at community schools, reducing the cost. Others are changing careers as a result of a changed economy. A high percentage take remedial courses before beginning classes for credit.
Now research shows that those who start with remedial courses are far more likely to drop out. The Jobs for the Future program, supported by the Gates Foundation, is shrinking remedial-ed requirements, believing that many students don't realize the importance of placement tests, rush through them, and can do college level work.
In North Carolina, those with the minimum high school grade point average of 2.6 can skip placement tests. Connecticut lawmakers limited support for only one remedial course and Miami Dade offers a one week boot camp to help with needed skills.
Read more in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
