This project investigates the implementation and impact of developmental education (DevEd) reforms on incarcerated students in California. Funded by Ascendium Education Group, this research addresses the critical need to understand and improve educational opportunities for one of the nation’s most marginalized student populations.
Developmental education, designed to bridge foundational skill gaps for college-level success, has been widely criticized for creating barriers, particularly for students of color, low-income learners, and first-generation college students. Incarcerated learners face these challenges alongside unique systemic obstacles, including limited access to resources, reliance on outdated instructional modalities such as correspondence courses, and the stigma associated with incarceration. These factors often hinder academic progress and credential attainment.
California has implemented reforms, including Assembly Bills 705 and 1705, to streamline DevEd by eliminating unnecessary remedial courses and providing targeted supports. Research for Action (RFA) will build upon its prior work examining these reforms in traditional community college settings to investigate their implementation and impact within correctional facilities. This study will explore:
- How DevEd reforms are being implemented and experienced by incarcerated students, faculty, and administrators.
- The influence of different instructional modalities (in-person, online, correspondence) on student outcomes.
- The persistence of equity gaps and strategies to address them.
This research will employ an equity-centered approach, aiming to amplify the voices of incarcerated learners and provide actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and advocates. By examining implementation, identifying best practices, and informing data systems, this project seeks to improve educational outcomes for incarcerated students. This, in turn, can contribute to reduced recidivism, increased self-sufficiency, and a more equitable society. The project underscores the importance of addressing the educational needs of incarcerated students to achieve broader credential attainment goals.