2008 Woodie Awards
Many taking the long road to success
As students continue to test into lower and English classes, teachers discuss their role
Michelle Olson
Issue date: 10/4/07 Section: In Focus
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Sixteen basic mathematics classes (Math 105L) are offered as well as 19 elementary algebra classes (Math 65) and 16 intermediate algebra classes (Math 55).
While these classes fulfill requirements for an AA or AS these classes are not requirements for transfer.
In other words, these classes are just stepping stones to get to the classes a student needs to transfer, but don't count as transferable credits.
There are only 38 classes offered in total for math classes that count for a student's transfer. These include Calculus 1, 2, 3 and 4. As well as statistics, trigonometry and pre- calculus.
The number of classes offered is based on how many students need that class.
Many students are testing into basic math, causing a higher number of classes being offered for that subject.
What is the cause of this? Ken Eberhard, a math instructor at Chabot, said, "The reason why students don't do well is because they cut class and don't do homework." He continues, "They didn't take it serious in high school."
High school is the place where students prepare for college, but are students really prepared if most are testing into basic math?
Eberhard explains what high schools need to do in this battle, "They need to be stricter in class. High schools need to hire people specialized in the math field."
Many students think they are just not gifted in math, but Eberhard disagrees, he says, "Math is just another subject."
The other subject many students struggle with is English. Thirty- five English 1A classes were offered, which is a class that counts toward transfer.
And 23 English 102 classes were offered as well which is not a transferable course. A lot of English 102 classes were offered showing that many students are taking this class.
While fewer 102 classes were offered than 1A, a good sign, Robin Munsell, an English teacher at Castro Valley High School, shed some light on the mystery of why many are still testing into lower level English courses.
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