WNC instructor, recent graduate tell trustees Carson graduates often lack college‑level writing and research skills
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Summary
A Western Nevada College instructor and a recent Carson High graduate told the board they are seeing incoming students who lack expected foundational academic skills; the commenters urged partnership to address preparation and support.
Carson City — During the public‑comment period on Dec. 9, Kelsey Penrose, a new English instructor at Western Nevada College (WNC), and recent Carson High graduate Madison ("Maddie") Lauterbaugh told the board they have observed gaps in graduates’ readiness for college‑level coursework.
Penrose said nearly all of the students in her ENGL 101 course were recent high‑school graduates, many from Carson High, and that most lacked expected foundational skills in composition, research and essay writing. "They feel stupid," she said, describing students’ frustration in college classes and asking the district to consider shared solutions.
Maddie Lauterbaugh recounted her own struggles at WNC, saying she felt unprepared and would like to be part of any effort to help future graduates. "I don't know what to do, and I feel like I was failed as a student," she said. Both speakers offered to work with district staff to identify supports for upcoming graduates.
Board members thanked the commenters and invited them to provide documents the district could include in the public record. No formal response or commitment to a specific program was made during the meeting; trustees encouraged follow‑up conversation.