TYLER (KYTX) - Nearly one-quarter of students at Tyler Junior College need help with basic skills math, reading and English, and the US Department of Education reports one-third of college students will need remedial course work. CBS 19's Jennifer Heathcock looks into what's causing the increased need for help and what it means for students.
Before students can register for financial aid, and take a seat in the classroom, they have to be tested.
"When I first started taking the Accuplacer test, it blew me away. I think I got two math questions correct. It was hard," said Crystal Ramirez.
22% of TJC students, like Ramirez, find themselves sitting in remedial classes, relearning material.
"What it can do to your self esteem, it can play mind games and they think maybe they shouldn't be here. Some people leave," said Lisa Harper.
Lisa Harper, Dean of Academic Foundations, says the phrasing on tests is difficult. "If it's been a while since you've been in school, your brain shuts down because it doesn't remember what it is."
Another factor: the growing number of people returning to school in a tough economy are driving up numbers in developmental education.
"Not people out of high school, people that maybe got laid off from Goodyear or something happened at their job," said teacher Shawn Taylor.
Those who teach the classes say its not to be taken lightly.
"Try to find weak areas, strengthen them so they can build on top of that successfully," said Taylor.
"College is not an option anymore," said Harper.
So students can take the basics, and turn it into success.
"I finished last semester with an 85, I did that! As a full time mother, full time student and full time employee," said Ramirez.
