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Students with poor math skills more likely to drop out

January 17, 2006 /

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Nearly two out of three Boise State University students enrolled in pre-college level math classes get a D, an F, or drop the course.

BSU students’ math performance is a key factor in the nearly 40 percent of freshmen who don’t return to the school their sophomore year, said Sona Andrews, BSU provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Students who fall short in math often "get discouraged," said John Gardner, chairman of BSU’s mechanical engineering department. Gardner worked on a task force to improve the number of BSU’s returning students. Students’ grade- point averages slip, and that can affect their financial aid.

Bill Roberts
The Idaho Statesman

Full Story: http://www.idahostatesman.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060117/NEWS0104/601170338/1002/NEWS01