Richard McCabe, in his book, Yes We Can, lists the following steps we should consider when designing and implementing an effective developmental program. It’s a useful guideline. In future posts, look for updates on what we are doing at BCC relative to these steps.
16 STEPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM
1. Avoid the negative connotation of remedial, choosing a more positive term like developmental or preparatory to describe a program for underprepared students.
2. Adopt a centralized approach, or at least carefully coordinate the various units involved in program delivery.
3. Adopt goals for the total program effort, even if there is not a single remedial unit.
4. Provide professional development for all faculty and staff who work with underprepared students.
5. Recognize that at-risk students need structure in courses and support services.
6. Recognize the importance of student orientation for new enrollees.
7. Incorporate counseling, study skills, and learning communities or cohort groups in the program.
8. Integrate the work of tutors and mentors with carefully selected faculty members.
9. Address the issues of assessment, placement, late registration, and simultaneous enrollment in college-level courses, including mandatory assessment and mandatory placement.
10. Establish consistency between exit standards for remedial courses and entry standards for college-level courses.
11. Provide supplemental learning opportunities, particularly for skill practice.
12. Find the appropriate use of technology and media to support student learning.
13. Consider a case management approach for the least prepared students.
14. Embrace a variety of approached and methods in program delivery.
15. Commit to program evaluation and the dissemination of results.
16. Expand and enhance pre-enrollment activity with the public schools.
(McCabe, 2003)
Works Cited
McCabe, R. H. (2003). YES WE CAN! Phoenix, AZ: League for Innovation in the Community College and American Association of Community Colleges.