The Northeast Pennsylvania K-16 Council is working to bridge the testing gap for college/university English and math expectations, through workshops and conferences focusing on the placement tests given to college freshmen and the preparation high school seniors receive.

A preliminary “Closing the Gap” Conference is planned for April 11 to involve Monroe area high schools and colleges/universities in conversations around four goals: reducing the number of students entering college needing remediation; increasing the knowledge of key agreed-upon standards for students by K-12 and college faculty; developing a plan for closing the gap in skills in mathematics and English; and planning for a larger conference in Northeastern Pennsylvania. 

The need for clear data was expressed so as to identify a goal in reducing the gap.  Approximate percentages of students needing remedial courses in math at NCCC were 75-90% and at ESU 15-20%.  Approximate percentages of students needing remedial courses in English at NCCC were 35-40% and at ESU 30-35%. 

We invite the participation of English and mathematics high school department chairs, district curriculum specialists, community college and university faculty, and administrators.  Please join us in this effort to bridge the gap!

Closing the Gap Conference

April 11, 2003, 8:30-1:30
Monroe County Area Vocational Technical School

Agenda

Welcomes and Goals of the Conference
Breakout groups by Mathematics and English
College Placement Tests and Process presentation and discussion
High School Standards and Expectations presentation and discussion
Identify and locate gaps, curriculum alignment, strategies
Whole group sharing and next steps
Lunch will be served