Reducing the Number of Developmental Enrollments

It seemed like a good idea to share some good news, perhaps news that will inspire all of us.

El Paso Community College (EPCC), an Achieving the Dream (AtD) college, identified a major goal of reducing the number of developmental enrollments — not just in mathematics, though that is generally the largest area.

By implementing a systemic method of building readiness for college, EPCC reduced the percent of incoming students placed in the lowest level of mathematics from 33% to 22% … with the percent placed at the highest developmental math course rising from 30% to 41%.  This 10% shift in placement represents a two-course range (low to high), and potentially saves about 1000 student-semesters (courses needed).

How did they do it?  In typical AtD fashion, EPCC was deliberate about the entire process.  Two primary components of the process were the inclusion of the local school districts (in a ‘blameless environment’) and the nearby university (University of Texas El Paso, or UTEP).  During high school, students completed a joint application to both UTEP and EPCC and learned about the placement tests — before taking the placement tests. 

Based on this ‘early placement testing’ students were then given the opportunity to refresh … including a summer bridge program.  Information is shared between EPCC, UTEP, and the student’s high school.  Very impressive!!  For further details, see http://www.achievingthedream.org/Portal/Modules/e080ac9d-266b-45ad-b887-e1e60950cf59.asset?

Could your college develop a similar initiative?  I know that I want my college to do so!!

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Other Links to this Post

1. Community College Spotlight | El Paso cuts need for low-level remedial math — May 9, 2011 @ 3:46 pm

2. El Paso cuts need for low-level remedial math | Community College Schools — July 16, 2015 @ 5:24 pm

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