BY: JACQUELINE GARCIA

High school seniors are counting down the days on their calenders as they anticipate graduation day ask impatiently, “ Are we there yet?” But as the anticipated day approaches some students are wondering if they are ready for the workplace or college. According to national studies only 34 percent of high school graduates are college ready.

“ I fear having to take college level math.” Ronnie Martinez Jr., 18, and senior at Jefferson High School. “ I do not know what to expect, and for that reason I wonder if I am ready. I was never really good at math since grade school so we will see,” he added shrugging his shoulders.

Many business leaders and educators agree that students are graduating with inadequate skills to triumph after high school. The lack of preparation at the high school level often means remedial classes for college freshman.

“ I had to take two semesters of remedial math before I could even begin to receive credit for math courses!” said Jessica Garcia, 21, a current student at the University of Texas at El Paso. “What a waste of my time and money!”.

A recent study by the Brookings Institution estimates that the total cost of providing remedial instruction to incoming freshmen nationwide is about $1 billion. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, about one in three incoming college freshmen will have to take remedial classes in math, reading, or writing.

Letting students slide by with inadequate skills means high school students will have to spend time and money for remedial training in academic basics when they arrive at college.

“ It is not fair as parents! I don’t think schools are preparing our kids well,” “When I was in school they used to help you. Now it has become more a ‘job’ than a passion for their work, I am thinking it is because schools want a low failing rate.” Said Mr.  Ronnie Martinez, father of current high school senior Ronnie Martinez jr.

Although this may all seem stressful, there are options and advice.  UTEP academic advisor,  Juan   Contreras says “ The first step is taking college tests seriously, it is unfortunate students do not realize the importance of accuplacer (class placement) exams. UTEP gives students the opportunity to retake these exams as many times as they need to before enrolling, not to mention we have great workshops at no charge for all incoming freshman.”

The University of Texas at El Paso offers two remedial math courses, two remedial english courses, and one remedial reading.  For more information visit www.utep.edu