Program helps students bypass Developmental Education

Austin Community College student Melissa Alvarez didn’t gripe about her English Composition I class last fall. She was happy to take the class – and pass it, thanks to her extra efforts and the summer Bridge Program.

Each year, nearly a third of all students entering college fall below the state’s standards for reading, writing, or math skills as defined by the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Program. These students are placed in Developmental Education classes that can improve their skills but, unfortunately, don’t count toward a college degree.

At ACC, students can receive a quicker alternative to Developmental Education through the Bridge Program.

“ACC developed the Bridge Program to give a quick boost to students’ skills before the fall semester starts,” says Dr. Kathleen Christensen, vice president of student support and success systems. “The Bridge Program gives them the opportunity to either meet TSI readiness standards or shorten their time in developmental classes.”

Bridge Program tutor Angie Harmon with student Melissa Alvarez

The Bridge Program offers intensive courses focused on reading, writing, or math skills. Each class includes personalized instruction and hands-on practice, and students are paired with a professional tutor. This summer, classes are available now through August 7. Students can either register through Continuing Education or speak with a recruiter at (512) 223.7701.

Bridge classes are extremely affordable – no more than $20 for two, four, or eight weeks.  Students can attend weekdays, weeknights, and weekends. A few classes are offered free of charge to students needing developmental instruction in all three skills.

Alvarez, 19, signed up to last summer to improve her reading skills.

“The class was very helpful,” Alvarez says. “I learned how to read over passages better and think of what they’re trying to say. It has helped with everything I do, not only my English classes.”

Alvarez passed her Bridge class and later earned a B in English Comp. She continues to enroll at ACC and is taking Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 2301) this summer. Alvarez plans to transfer to Texas State University in San Marcos in the near future.

“I can do it,” she says. “I learned I can do whatever I put myself into.”

Now in its third year, the Bridge Program has seen positive results. Many students improve at least one skill level. That’s often enough to complete TSI requirements, which allows a student to reduce the need for developmental instruction, or avoid it altogether.

“These classes really help the students to save both time and money,” says Mary Gilmer, Bridge Program coordinator. “They learn all the information that they need in order to be successful on both the TSI exams and in the next class that they will take.”

ACC Developmental Education professors teach Bridge classes, assisted by professional tutors. Alvarez credits her tutor, Angie Harmon, for helping her succeed.

“I understood a lot of it because of Angie,” Alvarez says. “She would give us time and practice, with quizzes and other things. Computerized vocabulary lessons and quizzes also helped a lot.”

Harmon will be working with Bridge students again this summer. “My role is to observe the students–see what skills they’re missing, or where they’re getting stuck in a task–and help them as long as they need,” she says.

The Bridge Program gives new graduates a fresh start because, unlike high school, they can focus on a single subject, without distractions.

“You don’t worry about friends you’ve known for years or other subjects,” Harmon says. “The students are there by choice, and they’re usually positive about the experience.”

The Bridge Program is open to current students, high school graduates, and GED graduates. Eligibility is determined by a student’s results on the COMPASS or ASSET placement exam. Visit the Bridge Program website at austincc.edu/bridge for details or speak with an ACC recruiter at (512) 223.7701.