Exploring the Tensions Between State-Level Developmental Education Policy and Institutional Implementation: A Case Study of Virginia

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Developmental Education and Community College Reform

Abstract

As states move towards enacting top-down reforms aimed at improving student outcomes such as completion of the developmental education sequence and a certificate or degree, community colleges grapple with their commitment to open-access while meeting the goals of the reform agenda. Using qualitative data, this paper examines three Virginia community colleges’ perspectives on mandatory placement assessment and developmental education policies. We describe how policy reforms are developed and enacted by the Virginia Community College System office and then analyze faculty, administrator and student responses to these policies at the campus level. Our research provides insights into how institutional implementation of state policy is affected by community college culture, values and practices and identifies barriers to effective institution level implementation.

Authors

• Mark Duffy, Research for Action

• James Jack, School District of Philadelphia

• Elizabeth Park, University of Southern California