Precollege Milestones
Completion of Developmental Writing: California
What Is Measured?
Completion of first developmental writing course
Who Is Counted?
First-time students initially enrolled in fall 2002 excluding dual-enrolled high school students who enrolled in a developmental writing course within seven years
What It Tells Us
Regardless of the level in which they began, about three-fifths of students who enrolled in a developmental writing course completed their first course (58 percent to 63 percent). About one-fifth to one-quarter (20 percent to 25 percent) failed the course, while less than one-fifth (17 percent to 18 percent) withdrew from the course.
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 courses that offer content to improve writing skills for students who are deficient in writing.