Precollege Milestones
Completion of Developmental Writing: Virginia
What Is Measured?
Developmental writing course completion within four years
Who Is Counted?
First-time students who initially enrolled in a transfer program in the Virginia Community College System in summer or fall 2004 and were referred to a developmental writing course
What It Tells Us
Overall, one-third (33 percent) of students who were referred to a developmental writing course completed the course, while 17 percent did not pass the course and one-half (50 percent) did not enroll. Students referred to a higher level of developmental writing completed the course at a higher rate than students referred to a lower level (43 percent vs. 24 percent).
Why It's Important
Most beginning community college students must complete at least one developmental education course in mathematics or English (reading, writing, or both). For students who start in developmental courses two or more levels below the college level in a particular subject, this milestone is the first step toward completing their developmental education requirements and continuing on to college-level coursework. For students who start at one level below the college level in a particular subject, this milestone also represents the final step in completing that developmental education sequence.
About the Data
Developmental writing courses: include writing courses one level below the college level (ENG03) and two levels below the college level (ENG01).
This indicator does not include the 35 percent of students in this group who were missing a placement recommendation in writing.