Developmental education and college readiness at the University of Alaska

Title:	Developmental education and college readiness at the University of Alaska
Description:	This study examines the postsecondary readiness of first-time students who enrolled in the University of Alaska system over a four-year period. The study calculates the proportion of students considered academically underprepared for college and how placement rates for developmental education (that is, non–credit-bearing courses) vary for different groups of students. The study also determines the proportion of students placed in developmental education who eventually enrolled in and passed college English and math. Finally, the analysis looks at whether high school grades, rather than exam performance, are a better predictor of success in college-level courses. Results show that developmental education rates were higher in math than English for students pursuing any degree type and increased as the gap between high school exit and college entry grew. Among students pursuing a bachelor's degree, developmental placement rates were highest for Black students from urban areas of the state (in math) and Alaska Native students from rural areas (in English) compared to all other student groups. Almost half (47 percent) of students placed in developmental courses eventually passed college English and almost a quarter (23 percent) passed college math. For students who enrolled directly in college, high school grade point average was a stronger predictor of college-level English and math performance than were SAT, ACT, and ACCUPLACER scores. Secondary and postsecondary stakeholders can use the findings to help identify students in need of support to be college-ready and to consider further conversation and additional research regarding whether and how to use high school grade point average as part of the placement process.
Online Availability:	Download, view and print the report as a pdf file. (498KB)
Cover Date:	May 2016
Web Release:	May 17, 2016
Print Release:	May 17, 2016
Publication #:	REL 2016123 General Ordering Information
Center/Program:	REL
Associated Centers:	NCEE
Authors:	Michelle Hodara and Monica Cox: Education Northwest
Type of Product:	What's Happening
Keywords:	College Preparation Readiness for School States
Questions:	For questions about the content of this What's Happening, please contact: Amy Johnson.