The typical college uses a credit equivalent, and the average student takes a little over seven semester credits for remediation, approximately one-fourth of a college year. There is that perception, but more often than not it s based on faulty premises. First, some of these legislators see con-tinuity between high school and college that doesn t exist. They think that if stu-dents graduate from high school, they should be ready for standard college work. But the criteria for high school graduation do not match the competency require-ments to begin standard college courses.
Students can meet criteria for high school graduation, but still lack the skills needed for college.
Second, our definitions of success may be too narrow. But, the fact is that a high percentage is not going on to bachelor s degrees, even though remedial programs are really geared for that purpose. Twice as many earn occupational associate degrees or certificates. Less than two percent are out of work. Reme-diation in the community colleges is much more occupational and vocational than we have thought, and measures of its success should recognize this.