In 2022, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) conducted reading and mathematics assessments for fourth- and eighth-graders to examine student achievement during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that the average mathematics score for fourth-graders fell five points since 2019. The math score for eighth-graders dropped a dramatic eight points. In reading, average scores for both grades fell three points.
In Maryland, the worst decline was in math: 75% of eighth-grade students and 69% of fourth-grade students are at or below basic achievement in mathematics. Data from the Maryland State Department of Education also showed that fewer students in the state are enrolling in postsecondary institutions. Among the 2020 graduates, 60.5% enrolled in postsecondary education within 12 months, a 5.8% decrease from 2019.
Fortunately, community colleges are ideally equipped to get learners back on track, from options for those who still need to complete a high school diploma to those who wish to transfer to a four-year institution.
Wor-Wic Community College has a dedicated student success department devoted to helping students achieve their goals. A math lab is available to students who need help with math assignments, and a reading and writing center offers one-on-one coaching on how to research, write and format written work. A peer tutoring center is available to all students, both on campus and online. The department also holds workshops on study skills and preparation.
“We know our students come from many different backgrounds, with their own needs and aspirations,” said Michael Webber, director of student success at Wor-Wic. “That’s why we have multiple approaches to helping them overcome challenges and thrive .”
Free placement tests help ensure that new college students start with classes they are equipped to handle, and developmental English and math courses are offered to students who need a solid academic grounding before starting college-level work. Enrollment coaches work with each student to ensure they are taking the right classes to meet their goals.
Wor-Wic’s courses and programs are tailored to provide an accessible route to a successful career. They prepare students for jobs in teaching, nursing, criminal justice, business, hospitality and culinary arts, computer science, the humanities and STEM. For those who prefer not to pursue a degree, Wor-Wic has programs in transportation, health care, child care, electric and HVAC and more.
“Our mission is to empower students to achieve success through high-quality, affordable education with programs and fields that will strengthen our community’s economy and quality of life,” said Dr. Ray Hoy, president. “Since 90% of our graduates stay on the Lower Eastern Shore, helping students achieve excellence is a key to ensuring our community’s continued success.”
Registration for spring 2023 classes is now open; www.worwic.edu is a good place to start. Applications and a virtual tour are available online. There are also upcoming information sessions on how to enroll, which include in-person campus tours; the next one is Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. Visit the events section of the website to register or to find more dates.
More data:
https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/highlights/ltt/2022/
https://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov/
