In this second column regarding research approaches, we continue our discussion of qualitative and quantitative research focusing on the specializations of developmental education, learning assistance, and student success. Whereas the previous column discussed mixed methods as an underutilized method, similarly, design research has the potential…

Qualitative and quantitative research focusing on the specializations of developmental education, learning assistance, and student success have generated impactful findings that provide a greater understanding of both the theory underlying the psychology of learning and the development of praxis. Yet there are underutilized research methods that…

During the four decades since the founding of the National Center for Developmental Education (NCDE; originally the Center for Developmental Education), research related to the field has continued to expand and mature. As a research center focused on using research to inform and improve practice, the NCDE's 40th Anniversary timeline presents…

In recent years, with support from the Texas Legislature, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has funded various developmental education initiatives, including research and evaluation efforts, to help Texas public institutions of higher education provide more effective programs and services to underprepared students. Based on evaluation…

Developmental education has increasingly become part of the national debate in higher education. This is particularly true for developmental mathematics courses which, in general, have the highest rates of failure and non-completion of any developmental subject area. This manuscript describes the current state of the art in developmental…

Since Breneman and Haarlow (1998) first estimated the national cost of developmental education to be approximately $1 billion dollars, the developmental education landscape has shifted in numerous ways. This paper provides an update to their estimate in light of both these changes and improved data that disaggregates the cost to community colleges…

This content analysis examines the topics, trends, and issues impacting developmental education and its professionals as evaluated by interviews that have appeared in the "Journal of Developmental Education" ("JDE") between the issuance of Volume 1 through Volume 39. A total of 76 interviews were analyzed with attention to…

The authors write here that they fundamentally believe that developmental education is about social justice. Professionals in this field are not only responsible to implement evidence-based best practices but also to ensure access to higher education. To meet this need, it is imperative that practitioners turn, as a supportive team, to…

Developmental education is a pedagogical challenge, especially since students are grappling with academic material they have seen before (some recently). In this article, the author discusses developmental mathematics and describes the typical developmental mathematics sequence. She also proposes to build new pathways for developmental…

This article addresses conflicting perspectives regarding research in developmental education. Subsequent to examining opinions regarding the rigor of research in the field to date, recommendations for a research agenda are proposed. The study's review of research strengths and weaknesses suggests multiple types of evidence, potentially pointing…

Dr. Byron McClenney is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Administration and serves on the staff of the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas-Austin as Project Director for Achieving the Dream. He was previously the President of the Community College of Denver. As President of the Community College of…

Provides the second half of an extensive study examining research in developmental education, evaluating the quality of the research based on a sample of 52 randomly selected articles and conference presentations. Discusses problems encountered in the studies related to the design implementation, and analysis of results from research. (33…

Many developmental students begin college ill-equipped in the social and emotional competencies to be successful. Thus, it is essential that institutions of higher education address the broader needs of these students. The purpose of this article is to present collaborative learning as a tool for addressing the social and emotional inhibitors that…

This article seeks to initiate discussion of the contours of a multicultural developmental curricula. It first discusses the need for multiculturalism in developmental education and offers an understanding of access to higher education that integrates key strengths of several, currently popular, conceptions of multiculturalism. Then, it presents a…

Discusses the Gateway Program at New Jersey's Rutgers University, in which departments administer their own developmental classes. Describes reasons for the program's success, including small class sizes, providing students with gradual increases in autonomy, frequent assessment and feedback, and teaching strategies that require participation.…