Redefining Remedial Education

Updated
|
Redefining Remedial Education
Remedial education can be the catalyst for success for students who struggled through high school. Learn about new remedial education programs at community colleges that help students turnaround their educational trajectory.

In the past, students who struggled in high school often didn't even bother with the idea of higher education. After all, if secondary school was difficult, then college would be nearly impossible, right?

However, a push for higher college graduation rates by President Obama, as well as truths discovered about many so-called remedial students, has led educators in community colleges across the country to redefine remedial education. As times are changing, more students are turning to special community college programs that are helping them see success in their education and lives after college.

In this video, two students discuss how they ended up taking a remedial math class.

What is Remedial Education?

According to WiseGeek.com, remedial education is "education designed to bring students who are lagging behind up to the next level of achievement realized by their peers." Students who found themselves in remedial education often felt they didn't have much chance at academic success beyond high school. Those who did qualify for college entrance often dropped out within their first year because they simply didn't have the background knowledge or study skills to succeed in a college setting.

The good news is that these students now have hope for making it through college and earning a degree, thanks to programs that help students develop the skills they need to succeed in higher education.

The Need for College Success

According to an article at Diverse Issues in Education, the American Association of Community Colleges estimates that as many as 60% of all the students coming out of high school each year are simply not prepared for the rigors of college-level work.

Unfortunately, skipping college is not a viable alternative for many of these students, since additional studies have shown that high school graduates rarely find work with a sufficient income to support themselves and their families. College is a must for a decent future for many, but many are not prepared to succeed in college.

This video explains remedial education.

Getting Help

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is just one of the organizations committed to helping colleges provide the necessary support to community college students. Melinda French Gates, the co-chair of the foundation, told the 90th Annual American Association of Community Colleges Convention in Seattle earlier this year, "Community colleges led the way on college access, now they must lead the way on college completion. Research shows that improving remediation is the single most important thing community colleges can do to increase the number of students who graduate with a certificate or a degree.”

According to a press release at the Gates Foundation website, the foundation has pledged $110 million to help create remedial programs, now referred to as developmental education, in community colleges across the country. These programs are intended to help students who enter college lagging behind the general student population to catch up to their peers quickly and effectively. The ultimate goal is to improve student retention and completion, increasing college graduation rates across the board.

This video looks at a college student who is unprepared for college-level academic work.

Digital Bridge Academy

Digital Bridge Academy is just one example of California schools putting their additional funding to good work, according to a report in Inside Higher Ed. This program was designed by community college and Harvard University Business School graduate Diego Navarro, who spent months interviewing at-risk students to discover the most efficient ways to help them graduate. The Digital Bridge Academy begins with a two-week session prior to the start of college classes, created to light a fire under students and motivate them for academic success.

After the initial session, students from the program receive ample support from one another by taking a full course load together for their first term. The courses allow students to explore topics they are particularly interested in, continuing their motivation throughout the term. All courses apply toward their associate degree program. At the end of the first term, students mainstream back into the regular courses, but continued support is available for those who require it.

Increasing graduation rates is a common goal for community colleges, but in the past, colleges have been hard-pressed to come up with a good solution. George Boggs, President, and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges told Education Week, "One way [to improve graduation rates] is to develop admission standards, and if you don't let students in who are the weakest, your graduation rates will go up. Another way is to decrease quality. If you lower your standards, you'll get more students to the finish line. Neither one of those is a very good solution. We need to find more effective ways to increase our completion rates while maintaining open access and high quality."

With any luck, these new developmental education programs will answer the call.

Questions? Contact us on Facebook. @communitycollegereview

comments powered by Disqus

Recent Articles

The Secrets to Success at Community College Job Fairs
The Secrets to Success at Community College Job Fairs
Capitalize upon the secrets and strategies of enhancing your job prospects and career opportunities at a community college job fair.
Community Colleges in a Minute
Community Colleges in a Minute
Discover the world of community colleges in just a minute! Explore the key facts about these educational institutions, from their diverse offerings to affordability and more. Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, this quick guide will give you a comprehensive overview of what community colleges have to offer.
Community Colleges: A to Z
Community Colleges: A to Z
Explore the diverse landscape of community colleges with our comprehensive guide, 'Community CollegeS: A to Z.' From academic programs to student support services, this article provides a look at everything community colleges have to offer.

Get Your Degree!

Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you.

Powered by Campus Explorer

Courses in College

REMEDIAL EDUCATION
60% of community college students need remedial courses. This section covers the classes and new developments to help students who need remedial coursework. Learn why the gap exists, how schools are combatting it and what you can do to avoid remedial classes. Get tips on mastering college math, learn what you can do to prevent repeating a class and hear what the experts have to say about remedial class placement.
Why Do 60% of Community College Students Need Remedial Coursework?
Why Do 60% of Community College Students Need Remedial Coursework?
Mastering Math: A Guide to Passing Your Community College Math Requirements
Mastering Math: A Guide to Passing Your Community College Math Requirements
Too Many Students Placed in Remedial Courses? Studies Say Yes
Too Many Students Placed in Remedial Courses? Studies Say Yes
More Articles
Read more articles (8)
Non-Degree Programs (1)