By Eduardo Landa
Staff Writer
The placement tests that many high school students dread are no more in the California State University system.
CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White recently signed an executive order ending the placement test system and dropping noncredit remedial classes.
This was done in order to stop the negative impact remedial classes have had on student credits, help make the university experience more efficient and boost and accelerate graduation rates, according to the CSU.
This executive order, according to the Chancellor’s Office, strengthens the early start program, which helps students struggling in math and English to begin remediation before they enter a CSU.
Elizabeth Chapin, a CSU spokeswoman, said students can also expect to save more money by graduating faster.
Some 25,000 students across the CSU’s 23 campuses must enroll in the remedial classes, according to the Los Angeles Times, and only 19% of all students graduate in four years.
While there is excitement for this new initiative, it doesn’t come without concern.
Timothy Chin, CSUDH English Department chairman, is worried about how the change would be implemented.
“I’m concerned if we don’t put other things in place to support students, many could drop out,” Chin said.
Some students believe the new policy will have a positive imapct.
“It would make the whole process faster,” said Jenny Ceballos, communications major. “You wouldn’t have to go through the obstacle of taking prerequisites.”
There are, however, students who disagree.
“I feel like the placement test helps us be placed in the right classes,” said Iris Ortiz, a human services major.
