Developmental Education: The “Big Picture”

1. Developmental Education: The “Big Picture” Presented for Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeHunter R. Boylan, Ph.D., National Center for Developmental Education - Presenter

2. What’s at stake for the U.S. • There is a direct and causal relationship between higher education and economic growth in developed countries. • Employers’ demand for skilled workers rose 3.6% between 1990 and 2010. • The annual increase in college graduation rates declined by 1% between 1990 and 2010.

3. What’s at stake for the U.S Bottom Line – We will have a shortfall of 3 million baccalaureate graduates by 2018. We will have a shortage of 5million “middle skill” (A.A./Certificate) graduates by 2018.

4. What’s at stake for the U.S • America’s largest untapped resource is its poor. • The middle class members who want to go to college already do. • 60% of the middle and upper classes attend college but only 18% of the poor attend.

5. Demographics • The number of working age Americans is shrinking while the number of elder Americans is increasing. • In 1953 there were 13 people working to support every individual on Social Security. • In 2005, there were 3.

6. Demographics The American population includes: • 14% Hispanic • 13% African-American • 5% Asian • 1% Native American Indian

7. Demographics • One of the three people supporting each individual on Social Security is a minority.

8. Demographics • Most of the nation’s population increase between now and 2050 will come from Immigrants and the children of immigrants. • In 2011, 15.1% of Americans lived in poverty – the highest number in 20 years. • According to ACT, 43% of high school graduates are underprepared in one or more subject area.

9. Life Prospects Based on Income Quintile Source: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

10. Problems facing developmental education • Poor performance of most developmental courses. • Only 16 of 100 students placing into the lowest of three levels of developmental mathematics will ever enroll for a college level math class. • Only 40 of 100 will complete their developmental math courses within six years. • Only 10 of 100 will graduate within 3 years.

11. Problems facing developmental education Institutional priorities • For most institutions, developmental education has not been a priority. • At most institutions, developmental education is not coordinated. • At most institutions, representatives are not at the table when resources are allocated or plans are made.

12. Problems facing developmental education • Those who enroll in developmental courses are also those at the greatest risk for non-completion: • Low income • Minority • First generation • Underprepared

13. Problems facing developmental education • Inadequate resources • 70% of developmental courses are taught by adjuncts. • The majority of those teaching developmental students are not trained to do so. • Support services are poorly funded and disconnected from courses.

14. Unless we overcome these problems… • Minorities and the poor will not graduate in sufficient numbers to replenish the work force. • Local and national productivity will stagnate. • The quality of life for ourselves and our children will deteriorate.

15. We are now engaged… …whether we know it or not or even like it or not… in a titanic struggle to help our fellow citizens overcome their hardships, rise above their disadvantages, and accept the challenge of being the next generation of well-educated Americans who, through their knowledge and efforts, will determine the future of our nation.

16. Thank You!