We are a network of policy and research partners, institution and systems leaders, and foundations taking collective action to ensure students get the support they need to succeed in their first year of college.
Reforming developmental education so every college student succeeds in their first year.
Strong Start to Finish scales reforms in developmental education across higher education systems, so every student is set up to pass credit-earning courses in English and math in their first year of college. In particular, we support college success for Black, Brown, Asian American and Indigenous students, students with low incomes and returning adults, who have been underserved by the education system.
Featured Resources
Strong Start to Finish: Network Partner Service Menu
There is a persistent problem among colleges and universities for students placed in developmental courses like math and English. They are not completing the courses and, in most cases, should not be taking them in the first place. While developmental education outcomes are deeply troubling for state and institutional leaders and practitioners, for low-income students, students of color and returning adults who see college as a path to something greater, our collective failure to adequately support their success is a heavy burden to bear.
The Past Informs the Future: What We’ve Learned about Scaling Developmental Education Reform
This discussion focused on understanding the roles of various stakeholders in implementing and sustaining these critical reforms to help achieve better outcomes for students, especially for racially minoritized students, students with low income, and returning adults.
A State Policy Framework for Developmental Education Reform
Developmental education reforms such as multiple measures for placement, co-requisites, and math pathways are proven strategies to increase student success in postsecondary education. There is still much to be done to codify these efforts in policy. Policy is key for scale-up and sustainability. This framework provides a guide to move in that direction.
Measuring Success of Corequisite Support
This toolkit helps colleges better understand how to evaluate the success of corequisite courses.
Stories & Insights
5 Reasons Why You Should Review the New Strong Start to Finish Service Menu
Discover the transformative potential of developmental education reform with Strong Start to Finish’s updated service menu. Addressing the pressing challenges of inequitable outcomes, inaccurate placements, and long remedial sequences, the menu offers tailored support for state leaders, practitioners, and institutions. With streamlined decision-making, flexible service modalities, and a focus on equity, it empowers institutions to create inclusive learning environments. Explore the menu today to unlock new opportunities for improving developmental education outcomes and supporting student success.
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