WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Thinking about starting college this fall? You might want to brush up on some basic education skills through Missouri State University-West Plains’ College Readiness Program (CRP), a free service for those interested in attending college.
Joan Wright, coordinator of CRP and the university’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program, said CRP serves those who might need extra help based on their placement test scores, or who want to get a little extra practice in before taking their placement tests.
Although students receive no college credit for the classes, which are offered year-round, CRP can give them the extra practice they need to excel in their college classes by helping them better understand the subject material and improve their test-taking abilities.
The primary classes offered through CRP are math and reading, although instructors can help with other topics as well, Wright said. “We’re looking at adding more classes down the line, but the focus right now is math and reading,” she explained.
The first step of the CRP process is a diagnostic test that provides information about the student’s specific skills—what they have mastered as opposed to what they need help with.
“They all work on individual needs and at their own pace, whether it’s a few months or even a full year,” Wright said. “Different people learn at different paces.”
The university’s math specialist can provide individualized attention due to the small class size, she said, and students also receive help from tutors in the university’s tutoring lab.
STUDENTS’ CRP EXPERIENCES
For many students, the help they’ve received through CRP has made it possible for them to achieve their academic goals. “It has been very helpful taking it one step at a time so you can understand the concept of math better,” West Plains resident Connie Colorado said. “The ladies have been very helpful.”
“The CRP staff are very patient, kind and without judgment,” added Heather Holmes, West Plains. “They work around my schedule so I can continue to work and meet my family’s needs. Without CRP, college would not be an option for me. I am grateful for CRP and the staff!”
“When I started CRP Math in spring 2016, I only had a few math skills,” explained Matt Kent, Thayer. “As time went on, I gained more confidence in myself as I worked at my own pace. I’ve accomplished many math skills that I had not retained from high school. The biggest advantage of the program is the one-on-one help when in need. The instructors are very passionate in what they do and are the greatest tools for my personal success.”
“Math hadn’t been my strongest subject all through school, and coming to college knowing that I would be around teachers and other students willing to help me has helped a lot,” West Plains resident Ashley Brinkley said. “The teachers are great, the tutors are great and the environment is great. It has been an awesome experience.”
“My experience with the CRP math class has been amazing,” added Shannon Milbrandt, West Plains. “The instructors have such devotion to the students, and strive to help them succeed. I have always loved math, but never understood most of it until now. The instructors teach in a way people can understand and remember what they are taught. I’m very grateful for the CRP class and the instructors who dedicate their time to us. I have learned more math than I ever thought I could.”
Instructors say they enjoy helping these students. “We’re very grateful to have the opportunity to help the students reach their educational goals,” Math Specialist Elizabeth Nehring said. “They work very hard and we’re very proud of them.”
“It’s very rewarding to work with these students who are trying to further their education,” CRP Instructor Shannon VonAllmen added.
EXPANSION PLANS
This fall, Wright said, they will pilot a reading class that utilizes an online program called “Reading Plus,” which allows students to read at their own pace and helps with reading comprehension and retention. Although the program is integrated in the class, Wright said students will be tested with the CRP’S own materials first.
Missouri State-West Plains began offering CRP in summer 2013, with math courses being fully implemented last fall. Since that time, the program has grown so much that classes, which were once held in Pennsylvania House where Wright’s office is located, have been moved to the Lybyer Technology Center. Math classes are held in room 102, and reading classes will take place in room 101 starting this fall.
In addition, CRP has expanded to Missouri State-West Plains’ Mountain Grove campus, and residents also can take advantage of the service at other AEL locations throughout the area.
Area residents interested in taking classes through CRP can call and make an appointment for initial assessment at 417-255-7744, or they can stop by 308 Pennsylvania Ave. The CRP/AEL office is open 12:30 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
More information about the CRP and AEL programs can be found at the program’s Facebook page, “Missouri State University-West Plains Adult Education and Literacy,” or on the program’s blog.