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PRESS RELEASE
May 11, 2012
For Immediate Release
Contact: James Franko
316.634.0218
KSDE Numbers Indicate Need For Remedial Education At Regents Institutions
1 in 5 High School Graduates Take Remedial Coursework
May 11, 2012 - Wichita - The Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) recently released revised data on the number of Kansas high school grads enrolled in remedial coursework in a Board of Regents institution.  The information, available at www.KansasOpenGov.Org, shows that 21.1% of Kansas' 2009 high school graduates who enrolled at a public postsecondary educational institution, within the state, also enrolled in remedial coursework; previously, KSDE information showed that number to be 24.6%.  As with all data available at KansasOpenGov.org, this information is obtained directly from an official government source and is available to the general public.

"We strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information possible," said KPI president Dave Trabert.  "We wanted to publish the revised numbers as soon as we learned that KSDE had revised their original report.  The publication of this and other student achievement data allows Kansans to make more informed decisions regarding student achievement and also determine whether any possible changes within the education system may be needed to help raise achievement levels."

The information is broken down across individual school districts.  For instance, 70.4% of graduates from USD 435 - Abilene attended a Kansas public postsecondary instruction and 12.2% of those students also enrolled in remedial coursework.  KSDE extracted the information from the KBOR dataset and indicated that the data likely underrepresents the numbers of student enrolled in Kansas postsecondary public education.

Trabert concluded, "Kansans are rightfully proud of their schools.  There is no question that a lot of kids get a very good public education in Kansas.  Students and educators work very hard and we have no doubts that they are doing their best within the confines of the current system.  Unfortunately, this remedial coursework data and other independent information makes it clear that some changes within the system are needed to help a lot more students be truly college and career-ready.  States all across the nation are facing similar challenges and taking proactive student-focused action to remove barriers to better public education.  We can do the same in Kansas."



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Kansas Policy Institute is an independent think-tank that advocates for free market solutions and the protection of personal freedom for all Kansans.  Our work centers on state and local economic policy with primary emphasis on education, fiscal policy and health care.  We empower citizens, legislators and other government officials with objective research and creative ideas to promote a low-tax, pro-growth environment that preserves the ability of governments to provide high quality services. 
To speak with Kansas Policy Institute, please contact James Franko at (316) 634-0218.