Preparing Students Through Gateway Courses

For many students the first course they take in a subject area in college is considered a gateway course. Taking these gateway courses within the first year can help build a foundation for a students remaining college career. Research has found that 45% of students that complete gateway math and English courses graduate in three years. In comparison, 20% of students who do not take the gateway math and English courses graduate in three years. 

In the state of Kentucky the Council on Postsecondary Council updated its requirements for admissions. The change in 2018 required corequisites for students that are below academic readiness at universities. By requiring these corequisites the numbers have gotten better in completion of gateway courses. From 2015 to 2016 the numbers for completion in gateway courses in English jumped from 34% to 54%. The percentage for college algebra jumped from 18% to 52%. 

Gateway success is based on its priorities that are aimed towards placement and pedagogy. When placing students in programs colleges should be looking at certain measurements and assessments. The pedagogy of gateway programs focuses on the design of the program. This entails making sure the program. This includes having professors that teach the corequisites and gateway courses and having one-on-one time with students each week.