About Strong start to finish
Strong Start to Finish: Revolutionizing Developmental Education for College Students
Strong Start to Finish is a non-profit organization that aims to transform developmental education in colleges and universities across the United States. The organization was founded with the goal of ensuring that all college students succeed in English and math in their first year, regardless of their background or previous academic performance.
Developmental education, also known as remedial education, is a set of courses designed to help students who are not yet ready for college-level work. These courses are typically offered in English and math and are intended to prepare students for success in their future coursework. However, research has shown that developmental education can be ineffective and even harmful for some students.
Strong Start to Finish recognizes these challenges and works with colleges and universities to implement evidence-based reforms that improve student outcomes. The organization's approach is grounded in research on effective teaching practices, student support services, data analysis, and policy change.
One key aspect of Strong Start to Finish's work is its focus on scaling successful reforms. Rather than simply piloting new programs at individual institutions, the organization seeks out promising practices from around the country and helps spread them more widely. This approach allows more students to benefit from proven strategies while also building momentum for broader systemic change.
Some examples of successful reforms supported by Strong Start to Finish include co-requisite models (wherein students take college-level courses alongside additional support), accelerated learning programs (which compress multiple levels of coursework into a shorter timeframe), redesigned placement processes (which use multiple measures beyond standardized tests), enhanced advising services (which provide personalized guidance throughout a student's academic journey), and improved data systems (which allow institutions to track student progress more effectively).
Through its partnerships with colleges, universities, state systems, philanthropic organizations, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders across the country - Strong Start To Finish has made significant strides towards improving developmental education outcomes at scale.
The impact of this work is clear. According to the organization's website, students who participate in Strong Start to Finish-supported programs are more likely to pass college-level English and math courses, earn higher grades, and persist in their studies. These outcomes not only benefit individual students but also contribute to broader goals of equity, access, and economic mobility.
In conclusion, Strong Start to Finish is a vital organization that is transforming developmental education for college students across the United States. By scaling successful reforms and working collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels - the organization is making a real difference in the lives of countless students. As we continue to grapple with persistent inequities in our education system - organizations like Strong Start To Finish offer hope for a brighter future where all learners can thrive.
strongstart.org
