Most of you know that I have taught at various colleges and universities. As such, I have taught a range of students. As a matter of fact, one year, I filled in for a colleague, teaching a remedial math (I actually considered it arithmetic) class. It took a while, but I finally figured out how to get the kids psyched to learn the material…
These kids weren’t placed in this program because they knew the material and were just indolent. Even though this was stuff my own kids were learning in junior high, it was clear these students either had spaced out in class when these fundamentals were taught or were taught by someone(s) who had no ability to communicate. My approach was to remind them this “stuff” would save them money when shopping, would insure that no unscrupulous merchants would rip them off, etc. That is what worked for that group.
But I’ve also taught students who clearly could not comprehend the assigned texts, could not set up equations, or even knew the material that was listed as a prerequisite to the course I was teaching.I wondered how they actually got as far as my class… which was not an elementary one.
I recall friends who were required to take certain classes before they could join in the standard course curriculum, when they began their college years. And, children of friends who were told the same thing by the colleges of their choice.
Given this knowledge, I was amazed to read about a new Florida state law that took effect this academic year. One that lets the student himself (or herself) determine if they must take remedial programs.. That would be true regardless of the data obtained from the proficiency exams they took to assess their abilities to read, write, or compute. You should know, that in any given year, more than half the students enrolled in community college are taking such classes.
It seems that the Floridian administrators and policy makers have decided that the remedial programs (which provide zero credit toward a degree) deter kids from completing their studies. And, in Florida, that means that assessments and placement tests are totally optional- for all those matriculants who graduated from a public high school in the state (or are active duty military). And, since September, remedial class enrollment has dropped by 24% in the state.
Therein lies the real problem. Only 22% of those entering graduate from community college in two years, while a total of 30% finish in three years. But, among those who were required (in the past) to take remedial classes- their graduation rate is about 9%. [American Association of Community Colleges]
So, the policy makers leapt to the conclusion that the students fail to complete their two year college curriculum because the remedial classes costs too much or takes too much time. As opposed to the fact that these students never learned the basics in high school- and probably can’t cut it at the college level.
I guess these same folks should have spoken to the high school administrators, the ones whose policy is that no child can receive less than 50% on an exam- even if they don’t finish it, or turn in a paper. One might think that has more to do with their subsequent completion rates.
…this is frustrating..
Caro Ness recently posted..The Paralympic Winter Games
Yes. And, then, folks will go into debt to obtain this education that provides nothing…
This is so infuriating. I think you are spot on, Roy, that the problem is the students did not learn the basics in high school. But, yet we just push them along. And I so love that you related your teaching to what the students can relate to.
I went back to get my bachelor degree 23 years after earning an associate degree. I took a statistics class. I always had to work at math. I had a study group with one student from Israel and one from Russia. I told them I was so envious of how they could take the lessons and relate them to life. For example, one of them owned a family restaurant and shared applications of what we were learning to her business.
I, on the other hand, was taught in the vein of memorizing formulas or steps without practical application.
Then there was the 9th grade teacher who made learning the basics of grammar and sentence structure fun. I am now a professional writer. Hmm…connection to the teaching? 😉
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Cathy:
I don’t get it at all. Our students are being administered by politically correct thinkers (excuse that last oxymoron) who believe that doing nothing means no impediment to advancing in school.
Regarding the rest of your thoughts… I was always enamored of science- in spite and despite the teachers. But, I also developed a love for poetry, history, and writing due to the influence of my two wonderful teachers. Ms. Kessler who almost broke through to the problem child and Ms. Katzman to whom I will always be indebted. (Without her, I could be those children in Florida, since I had no use for school- my learning was always done outside of class before that.)
I like http://t.co/TJjNcEaYje Can you believe this legislation?
Welcome to the world of everyone gets a trophy. It seems the only people who think this is a good idea are the administrators. When did it become a problem to have strengths and weaknesses and admit it? It’s a sad statement about what we values in this society.
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Yes, that is, indeed, the problem, Bonnie. Somehow the politically correct police have taken over the education system- and have determined that no one can fail- even if they do absolutely nothing to achieve.
So, now we’ll screw up our colleges, too? | http://t.co/krzw8wmq6h via @Adjuvancy
Too bad they aren’t looking out for the students’ best interests. And how can they function in other college level classes if they are missing remedial skills. Feeling lost as usual with the way of things….
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That’s exactly my thoughts, Alessa. I don’t get it, either.
I don’t understand this logic: surely it is possible to test the students and direct them to remedial classes if need be? The thing is, making remedial classes optional is simply not helping the students, whatever they might think of it. A silly decision!
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Because the goal seems to be “completion” not comprehension, Muriel.
If I took a course in Advanced Quantum Physics, I would be disadvantaged. Allowing me to undertake this program, lacking the fundamentals, would be a travesty. This Florida law is no different.
Remedial classes? Well, only if you want it…How silly is this? http://t.co/SA7pZYjcdp
So, now we’ll screw up the colleges, too? http://t.co/WPqhvqFlX3
This is so depressing, Roy. I really don’t understand how these kids can be pushed through the system without the basics in education.
And, now, those same folks plan to push these folks through college without the basics, too, Suerae.
SCARY!
Education is tricky business and trying to make people smart by not having them fail is the wrong philosophy. Thanks for pointing out the need for remedial programs.
Carol Tomany recently posted..Pomegranates and the seasons of life!!
Many folks resort to tutors when they just can’t get a single concept. But, if you can’t understand the subject matter because you lack the fundamentals, there is no way to proceed- without learning those fundamentals.
Thanks for the comment and the visit, Carol.
#remedial education
So, now we’ll screw up the colleges, too? http://t.co/VLhh315Tkk