MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND S.C. -- First time Tuition Assistance users will now encounter changes in the policies for application and acceptance into the program. The changes took place in October but have not affected first time TA users' class enrollment until now.
The program's variations were put into place to ensure that service members are academically ready for the course, said Jan Wilson, education office test examiner.
"We will now be screening the General Test portion of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for all Marines seeking TA for the first time," said Wilson. "The GT score is a composite score from the arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension and mechanical comprehension test sections on the ASVAB. [The education office] views this screening as a positive step for the Marine Corps."
The screening process follows the standards listed by the Marine Corps in MARADMIN 461/03.
"Marines with a GT of 99 and below must complete the Test of
Adult Basic Education with scores of 10.2 and higher to receive TA," according to MARADMIN 461/03. "If the test score is not satisfactory, Marines must complete the Military Academics Skills Program prior to receiving TA."
MASP is one of the steps first time TA users must go through to get into the program.
"This phase in the educational process can be considered a test to see if the individual really wishes to pursue an education," said Wilson. "So we hope to see that the individuals will succeed in the MASP class."
The education office hopes that success with MASP will lead to success in the classroom.
"We had a lot of individuals that were canceling two to three weeks into the class, which leaves the service member in a position to personally pay back [the tuition]," said Wilson. "The number of class cancellations is something that has always been a factor, but the numbers have been increasing over the last couple of years."
Canceling classes is one reason for the change to TA policy, and service members failing classes is another.
"Unfortunately, Parris Island has a high number of Marines who sign up for classes and don't succeed in passing the classes," said Wilson. "Some sign up for too many classes or they have workplace changes which in turn affect the outcome."
Once through the testing and screening process the military wants to make sure that service members are informed about TA.
"First time students must complete a 'TA Orientation' class (College 101) prior to using TA," according to MARADMIN 461/03. "Marines on major installations may access the course at local education offices."
Despite its benefits some people feel the course is more of a burden than something that helps them out, said Sgt. James R. Hamilton III, education specialist.
"People should look into 'College 101' before they come in, if they don't it sometimes creates problems and delays for the Marine," said Hamilton. "A lot of people think it is a waste of time, but it helps them understand the procedures associated with tuition assistance."
For more information visit your local education office or call Jan Wilson at 335-2152.