MC participates in statewide initiative to “Accelerate TEXAS”November 10, 2017

According to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, at least 60 percent of Texas jobs will require a career certificate or college degree by 2020.  That’s why over 21 community colleges across Texas are participating in Accelerate TEXAS, funded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, to help students advance their careers and strengthen the state’s entire workforce.  Accelerate TEXAS has already enabled 2,000 Adult Basic Education students improve their skills and career opportunities.

This year, Midland College initiated an accelerated curriculum plan incorporating Integrated Reading & Writing (IRWD 0381) with Composition I (ENGL 1301).  The program allows for those students who are not ready for college-level English to take a developmental course during the first 8 weeks of the semester.  They then take freshman-level English (ENGL 1301) during the second 8 weeks.  This allows students who successfully complete the developmental class in an accelerated format to immediately enroll in college-credit English, thereby combining both courses in one semester, rather than two semesters as has been the case in previous years.

“We are seeing great results with the accelerated program,” said Lynda Webb, MC dean of Adult & Developmental Education.  “Students are focused on success, and many of them say that they really like the shortened time frame for each course, even though they are in class more hours per week.”

Dianne Chambers is an associate professor of Developmental Reading/Writing who teaches one of the accelerated classes.  She said that most of the students in the class are first-time college students.  In her 8:00 a.m. class, the students are typical community college students.  The majority are full-time students (taking 12 hours or more) and have full- or part-time jobs. 

“Many community college students are not prepared to enter college and succeed,” explained Webb.  “The Accelerate TEXAS program is allowing community colleges to find ways to integrate basic skills with college-level courses so that students can earn credentials that prepare them for high-demand careers with competitive salaries.”