College Student Literacy Needs Should Be Prioritized: Study
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For Immediate Release: December 1, 2010
TORONTO, ON: A recent study released by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) shows that nearly 40 per cent of Ontario colleges have no programs in place to assess student literacy and that many students risk not completing their programs due to language deficits. Grade Learning, Ontario’s largest full-service education provider, takes pride in its assessment and literacy programs and supports the recommendations made by the HEQCO’s study.
“The HEQCO study reveals several alarming statistics that explain gaps in college-level literacy, including: only 21% of Ontario’s colleges require formal language skill assessments in all of their programs and few colleges offer remediation or language upgrading for students struggling with literacy,” said Michael Bateman, President and CEO, Grade Learning. “As a private Career College, we’ve set the bar high by conducting standardized assessments for every admission, plus offering a combination of additional literacy and language assessments; remedial support to properly prepare students for college programs; and in-house individualized tutoring for students of all ages.”
The study found that, while Ontario colleges were taking steps to address literacy needs, more could be done to facilitate optimum student success. To properly address the language needs of Ontario college students, HEQCO’s recommendations include the institution of a standardized approach among Ontario’s 24 colleges. This would not only ease student transfers among institutions, but would also allow instructors and administrators to communicate, interpret and report findings on a system-wide scale.
“Grade Learning has prioritized student and language assessment and training,” said Margaret Prophet, Director of Education. “We are uniquely prepared to work with students of all skill levels and believe that bettering one’s literacy is a vital stepping stone toward success in any career.”
About Grade Learning:
Grade Learning (formerly Grade Expectations Learning Centres), Canadian owned and operated, has been a leader in individualized training and education since 1993. Ontario’s only full-service education provider, Grade Learning supports learners of all ages with their Career College, Private School, Individualized Tutoring, Specialized Training, Corporate Training and ESL programs. Highly qualified teachers and an individualized curriculum help learners achieve their education and training goals. With campuses across Ontario, Grade Learning has an experienced staff of approximately 250 who possess their Bachelors of Education or who are qualified Microsoft Office Specialist, Career College and TESL instructors. For more information: http://www.gradelearning.ca
Michael Bateman, President and CEO, Grade Learning is available for interviews.
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