Developmental Studies
Purpose: Danville Community College offers developmental courses in mathematics, writing, reading, and study skills to remedy a weakness or deficiency prior to a student's entering a curriculum. Specifically, courses in Developmental Studies are offered to help the student prepare for admission to an occupational-technical program or a university-parallel program. Emphasis is placed on the development of the basic skills and competencies necessary to succeed in college programs. Developmental courses may be recommended to or required of an applicant after evaluation by a counselor of high school transcript, and placement test scores. In addition, anyone may voluntarily enroll in developmental courses.
Program Requirements: Students who require developmental courses before entry into their desired curriculum will be assigned to an academic advisor in the developmental program. Students will not be allowed to enroll in other courses without the approval of the advisor.
Students will be required to complete developmental courses prior to taking college level courses which require the developmental courses as prerequisites. While developmental courses do not carry college level credit, their successful completion will increase the student's chances for success in college level courses.
When a student completes
the required objectives for the developmental courses, a grade of "S"
(satisfactory completion of objectives) is awarded. When a student makes
satisfactory progress during the term, the student receives a grade of "R"
(re-enroll) and should re-enroll in that developmental course during the
subsequent term. When a developmental studies student receives the "U"
(unsatisfactory) grade, that student is to be re-counseled by a developmental
studies academic advisor with the assistance of the Counseling Office.
The Developmental Learning Community
The Developmental Learning Community is a series of developmental and support courses linked by a common theme. The Developmental Learning Community provides students with additional support which is particularly valuable for students entering college after a number of years of absence from formal educational settings. Specifically, students will be taking courses in study skills, introductory computer skills, and an academic content course along with developmental courses. These communities have used themes such as diversity, freedom of expression and competence to unify instruction throughout a community's courses. Our studies show that students who begin their college work in a learning community are more likely to persist in their program of study.
Students must be
eligible for each class and must register for all of the Developmental Learning
Community courses. To be eligible, students must be placed in
Developmental Reading (ENG 4 or ENG 5), Developmental Writing (ENG 1 or ENG 3),
and Developmental Mathematics (MTH 2). In addition to classroom studies,
students should be willing to engage in additional activities such as brief
field trips.
For more information about the DCC Developmental Learning Communities,
contact Mrs. Betty Hall, bhall@dcc.vccs.edu, 434.797.8552.
