Developmental Education Practice Guide Protocol, Version 3.0

Abstract

This protocol guided the review of research that informs the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) practice guide entitled "Strategies for Postsecondary Students in Developmental Education -- A Practice Guide for College and University Administrators, Advisors, and Faculty." This protocol was used in conjunction with the "WWC Procedures and Standards Handbook (Version 3.0)." The purpose of the practice guide is to provide recommendations on best practices for postsecondary developmental education. Specifically, the guide identified evidence-based practices that help postsecondary students with developmental education needs successfully transition into credit-bearing courses and, eventually, attain their postsecondary objectives. The practice guide was developed by the WWC, with the assistance of a panel of experts. This practice guide protocol contains information on: (1) the purpose statement that guided the work of the panel and the research team; (2) procedures for conducting the literature search; (3) eligibility criteria for reviewing relevant studies; and (4) technical issues including attrition and group equivalence.