Community College Reading Standard

* Re “Community College Reading Standard,” Ventura County letters, May 7.

This is written in response to the comments made in a letter regarding the article, “Community Colleges May Shelve Reading Skill Standard,” May 1. The letter implies that the community colleges of Ventura County considered not holding their students accountable for reading proficiency prior to commencement.

Actually, all three colleges--Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura--recently have improved on the competency levels required. Rather than relying on a single test, the district has stepped up the requirements in reading, composition and comprehension so that all students have acquired proficiency in reading skills, which are essential to their future success.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, I want to assure the entire community that your community college district seriously accepts the challenge of educating students at a higher level, especially in reading and comprehension. I invite any concerned resident to contact me at 384-8300 to discuss the reading competencies of the district’s future graduates.

NORMAN NAGEL

Member, Board of Trustees

Community Colleges

of Ventura County