Hi Sandy, I know you are challenged by being asked to retain students even when they are not meeting standards. I am a firm believer if doing all you can to keep students in classes. That means support, learning strategies, etc. I also believe we have to maintain the level of standards that reflect the business or industry in which we are training individuals. To not do so will quickly doom your program and college. A few students that are not prepared or do not pass state/national boards will reflect on the college that these students of caliber to be employed. I don't have a quick fix for this situation but I do know that maintaining the standards is a must. In addition, you can look for ways of providing supports for your students. Such things as structured outlines, guided notes, and graphic organizers are a few of the things you can try. These efforts should result in better student retention as well as better student performance. Gary