The California State University (CSU) requires entering freshmen to be proficient in English reading and writing, as demonstrated on proficiency measures. Currently, approximately 46 percent of incoming college freshmen need remediation in English reading and writing. To assist these students, CSU instituted an Early Assessment Program (EAP), which includes measuring students' readiness at the end of their junior year in high school and providing a twelfth grade Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC) in which to improve their skills if they are not proficient. A pilot study demonstrated that students participating in the ERWC outperformed students who took senior year English classes. The authors describe the EAP and the professional development component, the Reading Institute for Academic Proficiency.