In many ways, remediation stands at the center of the academic challenges that confront state policy makers. If a student is inadequately prepared to enroll in college level courses, then it is difficult for these students to complete a baccalaureate degree program in four years. As part of its comprehensive study of public higher education, the Commission examined remedial education in Colorado s public higher education system. Chapter 7 of the House Bill 99-1289 Report 1, published January 2000, presented findings and recommendations that addressed ways that state policy could improve student success at Colorado public institutions through stronger policy in remedial education. Minority students are over-represented in this group.
Students are most likely to require remedial math instruction.
While a significant number of students are enrolled in remediation, no statewide policy requires entering freshmen students to take placement tests or enroll in remedial courses if diagnosed as needing pre-college knowledge and skills. More than 18,000 students were taking remedial instruction in the state, one-third of whom are recent high school graduates. Colorado should provide strong incentives to ensure that students whose placement tests indicate a need for remediation to take those courses early in their freshman year. CCHE should develop a uniform way of identifying remedial enrollments and track the academic progress of students who require remediation to identify effective practices, including those delivered by technology. Colorado should incorporate this measure into its Quality Indicator System.