Remedial education is a type of education that aims to bring students who are falling behind up to the same academic level as their peers. It is most commonly encountered in the context of postsecondary education, which is intended to provide college students and adults with basic skills that they did not acquire in high school. Educators in this field may work for remedial education programs at colleges and universities, as well as adult literacy programs that provide this type of education to people who do not wish to attend college but would benefit from it.
A student may require remedial education for a variety of reasons. Some students attend low-quality schools where they are not adequately prepared in math and language for college or life. Other students may have moved around a lot or missed a lot of school, leaving gaps in their education that contribute to a lack of knowledge in core subjects. Students may also be suffering from learning disabilities or other issues that have hampered their ability to learn.
People who graduated from high school without basic skills were historically out of luck. Some college students began classes, quickly realized they were unprepared, and dropped out. Adults with poor education struggled to find work and make a living, and they were frequently unable to advance because they lacked the necessary skills. Remedial education addresses these issues allowing students to develop skills that will enable them to pursue higher education and career objectives.
People in remedial programs are usually given assessments to determine their competency level. Students are placed in classes that are most likely to benefit them based on their test results. Classes are frequently small, with a focus on high teacher-student interaction, and they can be held at any time of day or night to meet a variety of needs. Throughout the class, the instructor will bring students up to speed so that they can compete with their peers in terms of skills.
Some students, especially those attending college or university, may feel embarrassed about having to take remedial education classes. Some colleges and universities have found a way around this offering remedial courses during the summer so that students can begin at the same level as their peers. Because the term “remedial education” has some negative connotations, other programs have used slightly different names. Students should keep in mind that if they are required to take such classes, it is likely due to the education system rather than them.