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Learning standards hold value
By James P. TRESSEL and RONALD M. BERKMAN
We write in strong support of Ohio’s New Learning Standards for mathematics and English language arts. Currently 41 percent of Ohio high school graduates attending public colleges and universities in the state require remediation in math or English language arts, and these extra courses taken at the college level are costly to students.
Ohio should retain recently implemented learning standards for these subjects that guide how K-12 schools prepare students for required proficiency exams. The proficiency requirements are properly aligned with the skills needed to succeed at the college level.
Lack of appropriate preparation for college greatly reduces chances that affected students will ever receive college degrees, and that compromises our mission.
University leaders have been working diligently to prepare for implementation of these standards. Our institutions have invested in aligning freshman courses with the new standards to assure a smooth transition from secondary to higher education. We have invested heavily in our teacher-education programs to give our graduates the tools to teach to the higher standards successfully.
Students who persist through remediation and who secure an academic degree often compile significant student loan debt. The burden of this financial challenge as they move to a career can dampen their innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. Instead, paying their loans takes priority. Ohio’s New Learning Standards will be a large step forward in minimizing the needed remediation for our students and creating the financial environment for our graduates to dream big.
Ohio’s new standards are strong and will greatly improve education in Ohio. They must be given a chance to work, and we urge their continued implementation.
James P. Tressel is president of Youngstown State University, and Ronald M. Berkman is president of Cleveland State University.