Developmental Studies
Developmental Studies Courses
Developmental Studies courses are designed to help students improve the fundamental academic skills (particularly in writing, reading, and math) needed to achieve success in college-level courses.
Developmental Mathematics I is a course designed for students who need to strengthen
their mathematical background. A portion of the course assignments are to be completed
online on MyMathLab. This course must be passed with a minimum grade of "C" and is not intended to satisfy
general education requirements in mathematics or to count toward required credit hours
for graduation. This course will also prepare students for the next course in this
sequence; MAT 0028 Developmental Mathematics II
Developmental Mathematics II is a course designed for students who need to strengthen
their mathematical backgrounds in Pre-Algebra and Algebra topics. A portion of the
course assignments are to be completed online on MyMathLab. This course must be passed with a minimum grade of "C" on the MAT 28 Final Exam
and is not intended to satisfy general education requirements in mathematics, or to
count toward required credit hours for graduation. This course will also prepare students
for the required math courses for their major curriculum.
Developmental Writing I is the first of two required college preparatory writing courses
designed to improve students’ critical thinking as well as oral and written communication
skills. This course consists of three hours of classroom instruction but does not
carry credit hours towards the academic major curriculum or graduation. Students must
pass Developmental Writing I in order to enroll in Developmental Writing II.
Developmental Writing II is the second of two required college preparatory writing
courses designed to improve students’ critical thinking as well as oral and written
communication skills. This course consists of three hours of classroom instruction
but does not carry credit hours towards the academic major curriculum or graduation.
Students must pass Developmental Writing II in order to enroll in Freshman Communicative
Skills I [ENC1101].
Developmental Reading I focuses on areas of basic reading skills, word attachment,
phonics, dictionary skills, spelling, listening skills, literal and critical comprehension,
and vocabulary building. This course consists of three hours of classroom instruction
but does not carry any credit hours towards the academic major curriculum or graduation.
Students must pass Developmental Reading I in order to enroll in Developmental Reading
II.
Developmental Reading II Introduces and reinforces literal, inferential, and critical
reading skills needed to become a proficient reader of college-level textbooks and
other related reading materials. The course will help students identify key information
in paragraphs as well as distinguish between major and minor details. This course
consists of three hours of classroom instruction but does not carry any credit hours
towards the academic major curriculum or graduation.
The Developmental Studies Supplemental Mentor (SM) is a peer-lead academic assistance program meant to improve students’ academic performance and increase retention.
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic support model that utilizes peer-assisted study sessions.
The primary purpose of Supplemental Instruction is to increase retention, improve student grades in courses that have been identified as high-failure courses, and increase graduation rates.
Data provided from the University of Missouri- Kansas City has shown that students who attend supplemental instruction at least once per week earn on average a final grade one-half to a whole letter grade higher than their classmates who did not regularly attend.
The Developmental Studies program has combined the Supplemental Instruction model with a standard student academic mentor model to create the Supplemental Mentor (SM). Supplemental Mentors are assigned two (2) Developmental Studies classes which they must attend with the Developmental Studies student.
The SMs must facilitate weekly review sessions on course materials outside the classroom. The SM serves as a mentor for the Developmental Studies student by building a positive relationship and assisting students with getting acclimated to college life.
Supplemental Mentors are juniors, seniors, and graduate students who have maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher and excelled in the subject area for which they are mentoring (Math, English or reading).
Meet The Developmental Studies Team
-
Developmental Studies faculty are comprised of part-time adjunct and full-time faculty from a variety of schools and colleges including English and Modern Languages, Mathematics, and Business and Industry. Our faculty are dedicated instructors who understand and are concerned with the needs of the students we serve.
- Program Director
Dr. Tamaria Williams
Developmental Reading Faculty
Gladys Lang, Ph.D.
Deidre Powell, Ph.D. - Developmental Mathematics Faculty
Adam Bailey
Patricia Bruce
Hezekiah Ford
Cindy Gipson
Avah Haugabrook
Celia Suluki - Developmental English Faculty
Makisha Cheeks, Ph.D.
Talib Din
Tracey Jones
Nandi Riley
Kristine Snodgrass
Yvette Stennett
Jeneen Surrency, Ph. D.
Leesther Thomas, Ph.D.
Alexander Williams
