Junior College in California wants students to pass basic math and English classes early? (transfer to, high school) - (CA) - City-Data Forum

SOON2BNSURPRISE · 10-20-2010, 01:48 PM

Maybe the time to have those skills is before entering college. What do you think?

The story talks about the large numbers of students that don't complete a degree within 6 years of starting school. Many of those that start have less than 30 units completed after the 6 year period. If you ask me those are people that have never placed education as a priority. If you are attending school part time then you should be taking at least one class right? Most classes are at least 3 units. At the end of 6 years you would have completed 36 units if you had only took one class a semester and didn't take classes in the summer.

The story promotes the idea that the incoming students need to take basic math and English classes. What happened to taking those in High School? My son just graduated this year and he had Algebra in the 8th and 9th grade level. Shouldn't that be a requirement to get in? We shouldn't be teaching these classes at the college level for those that we are planning on calling college students. I get that we pass people out of high school and allow them to graduate because they have the units needed to graduate. Why is it that we do that? Why not prepare them for college in advance. Let's set the standard higher than it is.

I get that people need to take classes to catch up with those that have passed basic math and English. Lets not call them college students though untill they are taking college level classes. As the study shows the majority of them never finish, over a 6 year period are never enrolled on a part time basis, and are not motivated to complete a degree.

Community colleges not preparing California's future workforce, study says - latimes.com

ferretkona · 10-20-2010, 04:40 PM

Junior Colleges do not require a high school diploma if you are over 18 years of age.

SOON2BNSURPRISE · 10-21-2010, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferretkona

Junior Colleges do not require a high school diploma if you are over 18 years of age.

To enter Junior College you still need to take an assesment test so that they can place you in the right math, English, or Science based classes. If you are less than prepaired then you take classes that you should have taken in High School. Here is the deal, just because you are in college does not mean that you are taking college level classes. Many classes that are offered will not transfer to a 4 year school. If a class doesn't transfer and you need to take it then you are below the standard for a college level student. Untill a student had moved up the ladder to college level work how can we call them a true college student?

Rhenzanite · 10-21-2010, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOON2BNSURPRISE

To enter Junior College you still need to take an assesment test so that they can place you in the right math, English, or Science based classes. If you are less than prepaired then you take classes that you should have taken in High School. Here is the deal, just because you are in college does not mean that you are taking college level classes. Many classes that are offered will not transfer to a 4 year school. If a class doesn't transfer and you need to take it then you are below the standard for a college level student. Untill a student had moved up the ladder to college level work how can we call them a true college student?

Perhaps some people need a refresher because they've been out of school for a long time? I've met some 'college' students that could probably take a few non-transferable classes on spelling and basic grammar usage...

If the classes are available and the student is willing to take them, why does it matter?

Bob's Burgers · 10-21-2010, 02:50 PM

The problem is that they did not do well in high school, but have been "sold" by elementary and high school teachers that everybody can graduate college only if they try hard. The "self-esteem" movement and telling everybody they are equal has led to an inflated opinion of oneself and our talents. Many students who take the SOAR test get placed in remedial English and math classes because they do not know the material that is necessary to be at an entry level community college class. Also rember that the Refugee Act lets immigrants from some countries get paid a monthly check (like the GI Bill) just for going to school. The solution is to give students vocational skills at an early age so they do not waste time and taxpayer dollars.

Twinkle Toes · 10-21-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOON2BNSURPRISE

To enter Junior College you still need to take an assesment test so that they can place you in the right math, English, or Science based classes. If you are less than prepaired then you take classes that you should have taken in High School. Here is the deal, just because you are in college does not mean that you are taking college level classes. Many classes that are offered will not transfer to a 4 year school. If a class doesn't transfer and you need to take it then you are below the standard for a college level student. Untill a student had moved up the ladder to college level work how can we call them a true college student?

Oh no, you di'nt!!!

EscapeCalifornia · 10-21-2010, 03:01 PM

The state's broke. There should be a lifetime cap on how many subsidized units someone can take. If someone wants to be a student for life, they should pay full price after a certain number of units.

Ceece · 10-21-2010, 03:05 PM

I guess it depends on the students goal. Many CC's have certificate programs that don't require math, but I would think college level english would be required to be successful in most programs. That said, I personally put my math off until the very end and ended up taking a business mathmatics course in order to get my AA Degree. It's non-transferable to a 4 year so I still need to complete the algebra sequence if I ever want to go for that. When my kids started college I insisted they both complete the basic math and english their first year, it's only logical.

SOON2BNSURPRISE · 10-21-2010, 03:32 PM

It is no excuse for my poor spelling skills especially when I am starting a dialog on education. Sorry for that. I could blame it on many differant things but their is just no excuse.

Still I am questioning the credibility of calling people students that take less than a class a semester over a 6 year period. I am questioning calling someone a college student when they are in need of pre req classes. If the classes are needed then by all means take the class. Realize that you are not officially a college student untill you are taking college level classes. Just my personal rantings and ravings. LOL

Twinkle Toes · 10-21-2010, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOON2BNSURPRISE

It is no excuse for my poor spelling skills especially when I am starting a dialog on education. Sorry for that. I could blame it on many differant things but their is just no excuse.

Still I am questioning the credibility of calling people students that take less than a class a semester over a 6 year period. I am questioning calling someone a college student when they are in need of pre req classes. If the classes are needed then by all means take the class. Realize that you are not officially a college student untill you are taking college level classes. Just my personal rantings and ravings. LOL

I'm just yankin' yer chain!