The Colorado Commission on Higher Education released a report ( source ) on Thursday. It had reported some interesting stats on students requiring remedial classes upon entering the state supported higher education institutions within the state. The two-year or community college programs had more than 50% of the students needing at least one remedial class. The community college system is an open enrollment system so some of these students may not have even completed high school before entering. Still, I was surprised that the numbers were this high. The four year institutions showed a figure of 21% needing at least one remedial class. This is still high, but more along the lines of what I expected from personal experience.

The usual suspects (politicians and education system appointees) were trotted out by reporters for comments on how this was simply unacceptable. They are hypocrites one and all. But there is still an important question that is just begging for debate. Should completion of high school mean meeting the minimum standards for degree programs at state sponsored four year schools of higher education?

My thoughts are no – the standards for a high school diploma should reflect the community standards for adults to be successful within the community. Not all people go on to college (though the percentage is increasing with every decade). Also, students can take a variety of classes in high school depending on abilities and interests. Even the college bound student may have some weaknesses in a well rounded education. Should this mean holding the student back for a year or two to “catch up” on math skills if the student interests show promise in perhaps writing or music that will be limited if remaining at the high school level? Colleges have a great deal of skill paths to pursue and the minimal requirements for a first year student in chemistry are not the same as philosophy or journalism. Perhaps the next step is to require certain minimum scores on college entrance examinations before receiving a high school diploma?

This is not a discussion regarding private versus public schools. This is not a discussion regarding publicly funded vouchers versus publicly owned and operated public schools.

So what are your thoughts? Should a high school diploma mean that you do not need remedial studies if you pursue higher education?

As well as providing your thoughts – perhaps where you are in the education process and what level you intend to complete might help the discussion. A sort of where do you sit before you tell us where you stand sort of statement.

Regards.