MxCC, Middletown Adult Ed Continue Free College Readiness Program

Building on the successful launch of its new college readiness program, Middlesex Community College will again offer local adults and high school students the chance to build academic skills while earning college credit.  The free “Transitional Strategies” program will teach students how to transition successfully to college and improve math and English skills.  Completion of this program will increase student success at the college level while improving overall retention and graduation rates at the College.  Courses will be held at MxCC’s Middletown campus, at the Meriden Center, and through adult education programs in Middletown and Wallingford.

Each program includes a three-credit Freshman Seminar, which emphasizes learning strategies and critical thinking skills.  Students also take one or both “fast track” workshops in math (algebra) or English (essay writing, grammar, and reading comprehension).  All classes are small to ensure one-on-one academic support.  Additional support such as daycare or bus tokens are available through the Middletown Adult Education.

“As part of the enrollment process at MxCC, all students take a basic skills test so the College can place them in the most appropriate academic level,” explained Professor Donna Bontatibus, assistant professor of English. “Sometimes, students score at a ‘transitional’ level, which often means they need to refresh certain math or English skills.  Some students have been away from traditional education for a while and others never fully grasped these concepts in high school. Either way, we are fortunate that we can identify these students up front and support them for ultimate success.”

At the end of the workshops, students are given the opportunity to retake the basic skills assessment tests in math and/or English for placement into college-level courses.

For more information on the programs in Middletown, contact Donna Bontatibus, dbontatibus@mxcc.edu; in Meriden and Wallingford, contact Tami Christopher, tchristopher@mxcc.edu.

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Note:  This program is a result of the PA12-40 Act Concerning College Readiness and Completion.  Please visit http://www.ct.edu/files/pdfs/12-40-overview.pdf  or

http://www.ct.edu/initiatives/dev-education for full details on that legislation.