Study: TASP Has Fallen Short of Its Goals, Could Be a Major Obstacle for Some Minority Students Entering College

8/2/2002

From: Dr. Clennis F. High, 713-718-8334, High(underscore)[email protected]

HOUSTON, Aug. 2 -- A statewide study conducted by Dr. Clennis F. High, researcher and counselor, shows evidence that the high stakes mandatory Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) test required for most students entering Texas colleges has not helped to change the performance of students. In addition to being ineffective in enhancing academic performance, a great proportion of counselors, advisors, and other professionals in community colleges perceive the program to impede the progress of students at urban colleges where minority enrollment is traditionally the highest.

The study focused on junior and community colleges, and is a follow-up to two previous studies done by Dr. High. The process began in September of 2001 and concluded in June of this year, and was a slow and laborious process in which a triangular research method was employed. The researcher (1) analyzed years of data obtained from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, (2) conducted a statewide survey in which 90 percent of community, junior, and technical colleges in the state responded, and (3) conducted interviews with several students to hear their concerns.

Based on Education Code 51.306, and mandated by the 70th legislature, the TASP was created to help Texas students improve their academic skills. Data from the study revealed that this program has not done that. Moreover, this study indicated that many of the developmental/remedial classes students are made to take do not improve their chances of passing the state required test, even though some students repeatedly take these classes. Interestingly, the study showed that, although the number of students who took the required remedial classes for the years 1998,1999, and 2000 increased from 116,6000, 142,518 to 167,165 respectively, their pass rates for those years actually decreased drastically.

A comprehensive survey study, which was the second phase of this project, indicated that respondents overall believed that this program causes a significant problem for many Texas students who have a desire to go to college. This comes at a time when the state is working hard to provide access and equity for Texas residents who want to attend college. The results of this study will be shared with state officials and presented at a statewide conference in San Antonio in October.