Entry Level Basic Skills for Vocational Education, 1981-82. Final Report [microform]

A project was conducted at Cumberland County College to determine (1) whether remediation of basic skills deficiencies has an effect on the successful completion of selected vocational courses; (2) the levels of basic skills competencies in reading, writing, and mathematics necessary for entry into selected vocational courses; and (3) the most appropriate course sequences for maximum retention and success of students in vocational programs. To accomplish these objectives, test scores on the New Jersey College Basic Skills Placement Test were obtained for full-time vocational education students entering the college in the fall 1980. Progress of those students through remedial and vocational courses was monitored by reviewing course completion rates and grades. In addition, grades for students who did and did not enroll in basic skills courses before enrolling in vocational courses were compared. The study found that grades were higher for students not needing remediation compared with those who did need remediation, pointing to the need for students requiring remediation to be identified and advised to enroll in appropriate course levels. The study also found that skill levels needed for various courses were higher than basic skills, emphasizing the need to enforce college policies calling for skill upgrading prior to entry into courses requiring a specific skill level. Finally, entry-level basic competencies for selected vocational courses were established and appropriate course sequences for remedial and vocational preparation were set. (Author/KC)