Developmental Education Reform: Promising Practices That Are Making A Difference

Institutions across the United States that offer developmental and remedial coursework are under a microscope, with traditional course sequences starting to be referred to on a national level as a “bridge to nowhere.” Unfortunately, this is not an entirely inaccurate statement. The sequences in developmental education ask students to take years of coursework that do not count toward a certificate or degree. With well-documented poor retention rates, they leave our institutions with no credit and a great deal of debt.
The Colorado Community College System Board has charged a group of faculty, staff, and administrators with redesigning delivery of developmental education. Looking at assessment, placement, enrollment, course sequences, and completion, the group is taking a comprehensive look at how we can best deliver developmental education to students in a more effective way. This session will examine the board’s specific work to date including a review of prominent national models and ideas to consider when approaching similar redesign work. Participants will review the current state of developmental education and look at new national models to improve student success.