Remedial Classes

* Kudos to the Cal State University system for weeding out students who failed to master basic English and math after a year of remedial freshman classes (Jan. 24). It’s a start. The state college system should not be in the business of remedial education. These skills should have been learned in K-12. We can name more than one reason why not--poor schools or language difficulties for those who do not speak English as their first language. However, there are others who just do not have the ability. Let’s remember, some people whose academic test scores are low can be brilliant at other things.

If prospective students need remedial classes to succeed in college, they should enroll in night school they or their parents pay for first. State law should be changed. Students needing remedial instruction should not be admitted to the state college system until they can pass standardized tests indicating they are now prepared for college-level work.

KAYE KLEM

Mission Viejo