A Math Course-taking Quandary

ECS has updated its 50-State Comparison on Developmental Education policies to provide a national overview of how states structure, implement and report on developmental education. Drawing from state statutes and higher education system policies across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, it outlines key policy areas, including assessment and placement, instructional methods, corequisite support and reporting requirements. This 50–State Comparison serves as a tool to support state and system leaders in making informed decisions on practices and pathways that enable all college students to succeed in English and mathematics in their first year of college.

This discussion focused on understanding the roles of various stakeholders in implementing and sustaining these critical reforms to help achieve better outcomes for students, especially for racially minoritized students, students with low income, and returning adults.  

Developmental education reforms such as multiple measures for placement, co-requisites, and math pathways are proven strategies to increase student success in postsecondary education. There is still much to be done to codify these efforts in policy. Policy is key for scale-up and sustainability. This framework provides a guide to move in that direction.