California has a somewhat unique system of postsecondary institutions. Basically there are three layers of institutions each with a different mission and culture. At the bottom of the heap come the 107 community colleges with their open admission policies. Although not an official part of the Master Plan, most students who transfer from the community colleges enter the California State System. Certainly, being in the upper half of a high school graduating class does not guarantee students will be performing college-level work.
Remedial courses present special problems.
First, there is the question of college credit. Secondly, many students must repeat remedial courses because they cannot or do not grasp the content on their first try. In addition, there is the problem of funding. Yet another problem is staffing. Many college teachers are less than enthusiastic to teach remedial courses.