Shifting The Delivery of Basic Skills Instruction: Acceleration, Contextualization, and Other Proposed Approaches Dianna Chiabotti, Napa Valley College David Morse, Long Beach City College Barry Russell, Chancellor’s Office

What is Accelerated Learning?

Acceleration …… Involves the reorganization of instruction and curricula in ways that facilitate the completion of academic requirements in an expedited manner. Does not necessarily imply that students spend less total time in class.

Some examples…….. Compressed courses Paired courses Modularization Curricular redesign Contextualized Mainstreaming with Supplemental Support Summer bridge

Recent Studies A Model for Accelerating Academic Success of Community College Remedial English Students: Is the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) Effective and Affordable? – Community College Research Center (CCRC), 9/10 Accelerating the Academic Achievement of Students Referred to Developmental Education – CCRC, 2/11 Referral, Enrollment, and Completion in Developmental Education Sequences in Community Colleges – Economics of Education Review 29 (2010)

Recent Studies Continued….. The Developmental Education Initiative: State Policy Framework and Strategy – Jobs for the Future, 4/11 Student Progression Through Developmental Sequences in Community Colleges – CCRC Brief, 9/10

Potential benefits Encourages review of curriculum and pedagogy Provides additional options for students who can benefit May lead to enhanced supplemental instruction and support services Provides less exit points

Issues with Current Design and Pilots Current research upon which these projects are based is descriptive, not explanatory. Current studies often have questionable methodology and limited sample sizes. Current models in many cases delete or ignore parts of the current curriculum in order to speed up the sequence.

Issues with Current Design and Pilots Assessment for placement instruments generally are not diagnostic All existing accelerated programs involve additional tutoring, instructional, and counseling resources

Facets to Consider The faster students progress, the more likely they are to finish Only 31% referred to developmental math & 44% referred to developmental reading complete the sequence within 3 years Higher failure rates in intensive courses with heavy reading requirements

More Considerations Many acceleration methods cost more up- front but less in the long run Most require some sort of supplemental support or smaller class sizes

Important to Note that Differences revealed in the literature between pedagogy in traditional and accelerated developmental classrooms attributed to 2 major factors: 1.Tend to attract uniquely talented and ambitious faculty that see acceleration as an opportunity to experiment 2.Extended instructional time allows more time to engage students in a variety of learning activities Plus – more student centered approach

What can we do? Have collegial explicit discussions about and analysis of developmental education pedagogy Make sure that all changes are thoughtfully considered before they are made Ensure that the additional supports are in place

Additional Questions??

Thanks!