Remedial Education (Developmental Education)

Last Updated 05/23/2025
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Learn & Work Ecosystem Library. (2023). Remedial Education (Developmental Education). Retrieved 13 September 2026, from https://learnworkecosystemlibrary.com/glossary/remedial-education-developmental-education/
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"Remedial Education (Developmental Education)." Learn & Work Ecosystem Library. 13-09-2026. https://learnworkecosystemlibrary.com/glossary/remedial-education-developmental-education/.

Remedial education (aka developmental education) is required instruction and support for students who are assessed by their institution of choice as being academically underprepared for postsecondary education. The intent of is to educate students in the skills required to complete gateway courses, and enter and complete a program of study. Remediation at the postsecondary level is delivered at both community college and university campuses although some states have established policy to limit public university provision of remedial education. The bulk of remedial courses focus on advancing underprepared students’ literacy (English and reading) skills or math skills. Students are often placed into remedial courses through placement tests such as the ACT, ACCUPLACER, or COMPASS assessments. Typically, each college or university sets its own score thresholds for determining whether a student must enroll in remedial courses. Some states are moving toward a uniform standard for remedial placement cut scores.

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