As detailed in previous reports, students who successfully complete a developmental course and then enroll in a related college-level course have higher success rates than their classmates who had not completed the developmental course. Thus, many developmental students are also taking college-level courses. The most recent completed academic year was similar to prior year enrollments and completion grades. For example, one student taking two classes would be equivalent to two enrollments. The extent of remediation needed by developmental students varies by college.
Colleges continue to seek new ways to provide and enhance developmental instruction.
The following examples illustrate a few of the various approaches and on-going research. Faculty at BHC keep in close contact with developmental reading and writing students by phone and sending postcards to those absent from class. Data are collected on students to determine if those who withdraw have common factors. These students have retention rates comparable to students with higher assessment scores. The educational and life achievements of former developmental students will be analyzed to determine the effectiveness of community college developmental education.