California's students fail skills test. Community colleges grapple with commitment to remedial courses

March 24, 2008

It's the second week of the semester, and Phil Farmer's pre-algebra class at Diablo Valley College already has empty seats.

Roll call reveals a number of students are absent. Call it a result of the January rain, or even of the agonizing early semester parking-space hunt, but definitely call it a problem.

Statistically, it's safe to say that only 30 percent to 40 percent of Farmer's students will advance to basic algebra.

By Matt Krupnick, STAFF WRITER

Full Story: http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/ci_8676666