Covering the business of education and training

Only 10% of students who enter a community college with the intent of getting a two-year degree achieve their goal.

Yeesh! That is only one in ten. And it doesn't count the students who take classes just for the fun of it.

Only 26% of students who enter a jr. college with the intent of going on to a four year college, actually do so.

There are reasons why students are not accomplishing their goals at community colleges

1. Community colleges are not providing enough remedial education. Students are not as capable in English and math as they were when the community colleges were started. And the CCs have not kept up with the change.

2. Community colleges are not doing the job of retaining students once they enter. School is too hard, too far or just doesn't get the job done.

3. Incoming students are not as prepared as they should/could/ought to be. And the JCs aren't stepping up to fill that gap.

4. Incoming students do not get the counseling they need due to a shortage of counselors - only one for every 1,200 students!

5. High schools are graduating students who don't have what it takes to continue their studies.

There is a need here. Ongoing learning is important even if it means teaching them what they should have learned in high school, THEN teaching them what they need to know.

The Community Colleges met that need 20-25 years ago. They are not.

Time to make some changes.

What do you think?