A report, Back to Basics: Improving College Readiness of Community College Students was released recently from the California Legislative Analysts Office.  To improve college readiness it was found that "...students are not being assessed early enough in basic math, writing and reading skills."  The author of this report makes the following recommendation:  "They (students) need early assessment while they are still in high school."

     Hello!  Students are already being assessed to death.  How much more assessment can we force on K-12 students and teachers?  In many school districts even students entering kindergarten are assessed in basic numbers and letters.  Perhaps we should just forget teaching altogether and just focus on testing 100% of the time!

     As a former community college administrator, I am well aware of the remediation problem faced by institutions of higher learning, but more is not always better.  More assessment is not the answer.  Collaboration and "yes" structured partnerships between K-12 school districts and college level personnel will address the real problem - motivation.  Testing does not motivate remedial students to learn.  Creative, innovative teaching (not teaching to a test), parental support, tutors and mentors inspire and motivate students to learn.  When business, industry, parents, colleges and universities become "partners" with K-12 it will make a difference.

     It's now time for community colleges and universities to be proactive before receiving students who require remediation!  It's time to broaden college outreach programs to the level of becoming active partners with K-12!

To respond to the subject of testing just click on "comment" below.  I would love to hear your opinion.         

      J.L.

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