About Developmental Education

NADE (National Association for Developmental Education) Definitions and Goals

Developmental Education is a field of practice and research within higher education with a theoretical foundation in developmental psychology and learning theory. It promotes the cognitive and affective growth of all post-secondary learners, at all levels of the learning continuum. Developmental Education is sensitive and responsive to the individual differences and special needs among learners. Developmental Education programs and services commonly address academic preparedness, diagnostic assessment and placement-affective barriers to learning, as well as development of general and discipline-specific learning strategies.

Goals

1. To preserve and make possible educational opportunities for each post-secondary learner;
2. To develop in each learner the skills and attitudes necessary for the attainment of academic career and life goals;
3. To ensure proper placement by assessing each learner’s level of preparedness for college coursework;
4. To maintain academic standards by enabling learners to acquire competencies needed for success in mainstream college courses;
5. To enhance the retention of students;
6. To promote the continued development and application of cognitive and affective learning theory.