Increase Developmental Education’s Success with 8 Changes – News from the Nest

Campus Technology writer Dian Schaffhauser reported on research from the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Community College Student Engagement regarding students’ college readiness. The report, “Expectations Meet Reality: The Underprepared Student and Community Colleges,” claims 68% of students included in the study had to take at least one developmental course in college, even though they felt they were already prepared for the experience.

Since so many students take developmental courses, the report highlighted eight ways community colleges can possibly shorten the time it takes for a student to graduate when starting in a developmental course:

1. Run corequisite programs.
2. Redesign math so STEM students take a college algebra track, whereas non-STEM students take a different kind of math course like quantitative literacy.
3. Run accelerated developmental courses.
4. Use computer-assisted math programs.
5. Combine developmental education with workplace training.
6. Partner with high schools.
7. Provide placement test prep.
8. Use more than one placement exam to assess readiness.

Does your institution already have these implemented? Let us know in the comments, and check out the article here!

Schaffhauser, Dian. “Report: 8 Ways to Shorten the Bridge Between Developmental Education and Graduation.” Retention and Student Success. Campus Technology, 24 Feb. 2016. Web. 8 March 2016.