(Madison)-- State Representative John Jagler (R-Watertown) introduced a bill today that will take a closer look at how our high schools are preparing students for college. The bill would require the University of Wisconsin System to report to the legislature the high schools of students who are required to take remedial math and English classes.
 
According to data provided by the UW Board of Regents, one in five students enrolling within the UW System required remedial classes in in order to be fully prepared for the rigors of college. Students are required to pay for the remedial courses, but receive no college credit for them. "This adds to the financial strains of these students pursuing their education and often lengthens the time between enrollment and graduation," Jagler said. Furthermore, professors and academic staff must spend valuable resources and time that could be better utilized in other areas of instruction.
 
This bill would require the UW Board of Regents to prepare and submit a report to the legislature identifying the school and the number of students requiring remedial instruction within the UW System. The bill does not require individual students to be named or identified in any form.
   
"This additional information will help empower parents to make decisions that are best for their child, whether that means additional tutoring, alternative course loads, or different educational paths," Jagler said.