Remedial Classes
Typically, students that are ill prepared for the rigor of college classes take remedial classes. Almost 60% of first year students take remedial classes. Remedial classes are required for those who have not met academic standards or could not pass a placement test. These are classes that do not count towards college credit and have to be paid for. However, they are then required to graduate. For some, this might be quite the inconvenience.
To many's surprise, students required to take remedial classes come from all income backgrounds. According to NPR, students that have to take remedial classes are spending an extra $12,000 on subjects they should have learned in high school. Altogether, they are borrowing about $380 million extra a year. These are courses that cover material that should have been learned in high school.
In order to make sure students are prepared for college, high schools should instill programs to help students. Remedial classes don't count towards college credit and they cost just as much as any other college class. According to Associated Press, more than 4 in 10 high school graduates get to college needing at least one remedial reading, science or math course. Recently, a computer-based pilot course is being used to help bridge the readiness gap for high school students heading to college.
This pilot course is completely backed by Ohio’s governor, John Kasich. Kasich selected the top education advisers to help solve the gap problem. This program is an independent course that allows students to work at their own pace. It requires students to earn an 100% on each homework assignment. Once this work is completed they can take the test; in order to move on they must receive an 85% or higher on the test. It holds students accountable for their work and learning the material.
A high school diploma doesn’t necessarily mean a student is prepared for the rigor of college curriculum. A program like this will help bridge the readiness gap and ensure students are ready for college. Although a program like this isn’t available to everyone yet, Advanced Placement classes are a great alternative.
Mr. Miller, Licking Valley English teacher, says: “AP develops critical thinking skills that go beyond the surface level. Students can demonstrate understanding on a deeper level.”
It could also save them thousands of dollars and extra hours that don’t count towards their degree. This is only the beginning to solving a large problem but it is necessary. Students are straddling the readiness gap and need help reaching the other side of success.
