As a recent graduate of Valley High School who had to take a remedial course in college, I support statewide graduation standards. At Slippery Rock University, I had to take a remedial beginning algebra course.
Had statewide graduation requirements been in place three years ago, I don't think I would have gotten my high school diploma without being ready to take college classes.
I like college, but I'm anxious to get into the world of work. Having to take a class that I was supposed to have finished with in high school delays my finishing college. And, trust me, my parents don't want to have to pay for any more semesters than absolutely necessary.
The state Department of Education says about one-third of all Pennsylvania high school graduates have to take remedial courses in college that cost taxpayers and families $26 million a year. I'm among those statistics and so are my parents. It just makes sense that the state would make sure everybody graduating from high school is ready to take college courses or go to work.
Please help put these graduation requirements in place so college students don't have to take high school classes.
Steve Santucci
Arnold
