CSU wants remedial classes cut
By Robert Mulhair
The Collegian
Remedial classes may be cut entirely from Fresno State as their existence at a university level is in question.
Dean of Undergraduate Studies Dennis Nef said many students who qualify to attend Fresno State still don’t qualify to take most classes here.
“A high school diploma does not always mean a student will be successful at the college level,” Nef said. The university cannot waive any basic high school course material to undergraduates.
“It is a recipe for failure if there are students attempting to take advanced classes without basic knowledge of the subject in the first place,” he said.
Laraine Goto, the administrative assistant of Undergraduate Studies, said the CSU Board of Trustees wants all remedial classes to be phased out to make room for new undergraduate classes. A new program for freshmen may be added instead to help them become qualified for undergraduate classes.
Goto said a large number of Fresno State undergraduates did not pass initial placement tests. Students cannot take most general education classes unless they pass both English and math requirements.
“The university is open to everyone accepted. No student should have to be denied enrollment because they couldn’t pass one placement test,” Goto said.
Charisteo Mason, a student assistant for Fresno State’s Testing Department, said remedial classes exist to help high school graduates become better accustomed to a university setting. Many students find it difficult to make the transition from their old high school classes to college level work, he said.
Math Department Chair Della Duncan said students often score well on the SAT, and then can’t pass a basic placement test when they come to a university. A student with a 1900 out of 2400 SAT score (using 2005 SAT scoring) may look good on paper for admissions but if they scored 800’s in the English and essay portions and only 300 in the math portion they still cannot take a college level math class.
“Many students take a year off after high school and come back to an academic setting unadjusted,” Duncan said.
Duncan said community college is an option if the remedial classes are cut.
The Educational Opportunities Program could not be reached for comment. The Academic Enhancement Services office has declined to comment in both personal and telephone interviews.
|
