The College Preparatory Program

In order to be eligible to enroll in the College Program, students must hold either a high school diploma or GED. However, for a broad range of reasons, most new students are not yet prepared to do college-level work when they first enter the program. Thus, most spend their first year in the College Preparatory Program in math and English before beginning college credit courses. Students who feel they are ready to start in college credit courses may take a placement exam to demonstrate their skill level.

Math 50 is the College Program developmental mathematics course. With the assistance of tutors, students work at their own pace, either individually or in small groups. Students remain in this class until they have mastered the material necessary to begin Algebra.

Math 50 is currently slatted to undergo a substantial organizational overhaul, which will include a revision of the instructional model (moving to small student cohorts working together with set instructors) as well as an expanded teacher training program.

English 99 is the College Program developmental English course. It is divided into two semesters: English 99A and English 99B. Students generally complete both courses sequentially, occasionally repeating one or both sections. English 99 prepares students to write college level essays in all disciplines.

The English 99 Program includes an intensive teacher training component, in which volunteer instructors participate in pre-semester training workshops, as well as mentoring and supervision throughout the semester. It coordinated by Jessica Koistinen, who is Teacher Education and Curriculum Development Specialist with the Prison University Project.