what are Developmental Courses?
Students who do not meet the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) college-readiness standards are advised to enroll in developmental courses. Developmental courses are designed to provide instruction in Reading, Writing and Math which give students the necessary competencies to be successful in college. Students requiring developmental courses due to TSI test results must maintain satisfactory progress as measured by grades of A, B or C. Developmental courses will be limited to a total of 30 credit hours.
The developmental education programs include the following areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- S.T.I.N.G. Success Courses
Developmental education courses provide a supportive environment for students to transition academically from a secondary (high school) institution to a college or university.
The Developmental Reading program helps students develop a repertoire of reading strategies, study skills, critical thinking skills, and strategic learning skills. Its primary purpose is to improve students’ overall attitude toward reading and to promote lifelong learning and an appreciation for reading. There are three levels of developmental reading courses offered:
- College Reading I (READ 0320)
- College Reading II (READ 0321)
- College Reading III (READ 0322) traditional or linked with general education course
The Developmental Writing program helps students develop their fundamental writing skills for successful completion of assignments. It focuses on teaching students the fundamentals of grammar, mechanics and organization, which are stressed in the production of clear sentences, paragraphs and multiparagraph themes. Classes are taught in a workshop setting, and instruction is enhanced with interactive technology. Students also receive support supplemented by Students Together Involving Networking and Guidance (S.T.I.N.G.) writing tutorials staffed by trained tutors. There are two levels of developmental writing courses offered:
- Writing Skills I (ENGL 0320)
- Writing Skills II (ENGL 0321)
The Developmental Math program helps students strengthen their basic mathematical skills in preparation for college-level mathematics courses. There are three levels of developmental math courses offered:
- Basic Mathematics (MATH 0120)
- Introductory Algebra (MATH 0421)
- Intermediate Algebra (MATH 0422)
Students who complete developmental courses demonstrate their dedication to being successful university students because they take the time to develop and refine critical college success skills.
The S.T.I.N.G. Success classes taken in conjunction with developmental courses help develop these skills within the context of classroom assignments. S.T.I.N.G. offers developmental students the following:
- It provides first year students with the resources needed to excel in their collegiate career.
- It offers entering freshmen a retention support program that teaches students to believe in themselves, learn how to navigate the college environment, and helps students take advantage of campus resources and opportunities.
- In each lab a peer mentor, the staff instructor and tutor meet with students on a weekly basis to deliver a college success curriculum that covers various topics that teach students to succeed in college.
- Students also receive tutoring in their developmental area of need, which could include reading, writing or math.
- Outside of the lab, peer mentors and tutors are available to work with students on an individual basis during office hours.
Developmental courses are designed to enhance student success in college level courses. Nationwide, almost 40 percent of university students have to take at least one developmental education course.