Bill could change who pays for remedial courses in college
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Who should pay if a graduate of a North Carolina high school needs a remedial course in college?
According to State Sen. Tom Apodaca (R-Buncombe), the school district that gave the student a diploma should have to pay.
Right now, the state picks up most of the bill (about 2/3); Apodaca's bill would shift that back to local districts.
"If a student has to go through remediation in your system in order to be accepted as a student and continue their education, you will be reimbursed, by the local education administration where that student came from," said Apodaca.
"We're sending a message to our schools that we want quality coming out when it comes time to go to higher education."
Apodaca has until Thursday afternoon to file the bill and so far, reaction has been mixed. Some people embrace the additional accountability. Others have concerns.
State Superintendent of Schools June Atkinson has questions.
"Who should pick up the tab for the 30 or 35-year-old who realizes they need additional education," Atkinson challenged. "Who would pick up the tab for the home schoolers? Who would pick up the tab for students in private schools across North Carolina?"
Gov. Pat McCrory voiced his support of the notion that students should be college ready when they graduate high schools, but stopped short of endorsing a change in funding for remedial courses.
