The CSU system recently enacted a policy known as the “Early Start” program requiring incoming students who do not demonstrate readiness for college-level math and/or English to begin remediation during the summer before coming to the CSU. The goals of Early Start are to better prepare students in math and English before their first semester, thereby improving their chances of completing a college degree.
Math:
All students who have not demonstrated college readiness must participate (ELM score less than 50). Please note that students who were deemed conditionally exempt in math based on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) do not have to participate.
English:
For fall 2012, the Early Start program will target students needing the most preparation in English (EPT score less than 138). Please note that students who are participating in the EAP English Conditionally Exempt/ERWC pilot do not have to participate.
Exemptions: The following students will not be required to participate:
Freshmen are encouraged to complete their Early Start program activities at the CSU campus that admitted them if at all possible. This will afford them an opportunity to integrate into campus and will provide the smoothest transition to their fall English or math instruction.
English and math skills are critical to success in college regardless of the intended major. Through the EAP, California juniors have the opportunity to measure their English and math skills towards the end of the 11th grade. As a result, juniors are strongly encouraged to take the EAP test. Results are available at the beginning of the senior year and can be used to ensure students are using their senior year to become ‘college ready’. As students are planning their senior class schedules, it is important to know that a math
course in the senior year is good preparation for all students, especially those interested in science based and technical majors (science, engineering, nursing, etc).
The best way to ensure success in college and to avoid spending the summer after high school graduation at a CSU is to be prepared in English and math!
For more information on the CSU EAP, visit the CSU English and Math Success Web sites:
Early Start programs offered at any of the CSU campuses will have a common fee. The current fee estimate is $182 per unit and is subject to change based on approved fee increases. Campus parking and course instruction materials may also be charged.
California residents who apply for financial aid and have an Estimated Family Contribution of $5,000 or less will be eligible for a waiver of the per unit fee.
The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees, without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by The Board of Trustees.
Students requiring reasonable accommodations to take part in the Early Start Program need to contact the office providing services to students with disabilities at the CSU campus they will attend in fall 2012. Students will be required to establish their eligibility for reasonable accommodations by providing appropriate disability documentation from a qualified treatment provider. Disability documentation must clearly describe the student’s present functional limitations. Reasonable accommodations for the Early Start Program will be prescribed from the CSU campus from which the student will be attending.
CSU Offices Providing Services to Students With Disabilities Contact Information
Math Success Web Site