#USA #Denver #National Student Success Coalition #Developmental Education #Strong Start to Finish

National Coalition Advocates for Reform in Developmental Education

In a significant move to enhance student success in higher education, the National Student Success Coalition is calling on state policymakers to implement vital reforms in developmental education. This initiative, spearheaded by Strong Start to Finish, aims to ensure that more students complete their gateway math and English courses during their first year at college. The updated Core Principles for Transforming Developmental Education, supported by a broad alliance of 13 educational organizations, sets ambitious goals for the future of student achievement in academia.

The urgency of this report arises from the reality that over a million students are placed into remedial classes every year that do not contribute towards their degree completion. Alarmingly, only about 10% of these students manage to pass gateway courses through traditional remediation. Research consistently demonstrates that reforming developmental education has a profound impact on improving overall student success rates and boosting college completion figures.

States like Tennessee have seen transformative results from educational reforms. The state's initiatives led to a two- to three-fold increase in students completing essential gateway courses. Similarly, California has adopted a strategy of placing students directly into transfer-level math and English, supplemented with support, resulting in remarkable improvements in course completion rates. This model is not just about numbers; it represents a strategic shift towards equitable access to education.

The Core Principles for Transforming Developmental Education report emphasizes the need for a cohesive strategy that moves beyond isolated reforms to comprehensive policy implementations. Among the report's proposals are key strategies designed to enhance momentum in students' first year. It advocates for making college-level placements the norm, aligning gateway courses with students' chosen fields, and scaling effective teaching practices tailored to meet diverse learning needs.

The coalition initiated by Strong Start to Finish is more than just a collection of educational stakeholders; it is a unified voice striving for change. José Muñoz, president of the Education Commission of the States, highlighted the essential role that states play in ensuring students embark on their postsecondary journeys equipped for success. This coalition is not merely about improving individual outcomes; it aspires to redefine the educational landscape, making it more inclusive and supportive for all students.

By 2040, the coalition envisions that every state will position its students for success, paving the way for higher graduation rates. This vision encapsulates a collective drive to innovate and reshape the approaches to developmental education, providing students with the necessary support and resources from their first day of college.

The report outlined ten strategic recommendations — each rooted in research and field expertise — to guide educators and institutions towards implementing effective reforms. From enhancing gateway course access to establishing systems of continuous improvement based on data analysis, these strategies are designed to foster an environment where every student can thrive.

Institutions are encouraged to rethink their approach to the first year of college, focusing on critical areas such as student placement, learning support structures, and curriculum alignment with career paths. The publication not only lays out the necessary actions but also instills confidence among education practitioners about the best practices to adopt.

This initiative isn't just a policy recommendation; it's a call to action for educational leaders at every level. Through collaboration and systemic reform, there's a significant opportunity to change the trajectory of higher education and ensure equitable access and success for every student.

We urge you to explore these principles further by visiting StrongStart.org to understand how these reforms can be integrated into the education system and ultimately lead to positive outcomes for future generations of students.