Research shows that taking and passing key gateway courses during the first year of college is associated with higher rates of degree completion. However, more than two-thirds of community college students are required to take at least one developmental education course before enrolling in gateway courses.  Students placed into coursework that is too challenging may struggle to persist, while those placed into unnecessary developmental coursework may experience delayed graduation and increased costs. 
 
In partnership with CCC, the Inclusive Economy Lab conducted a study to examine the effect of these changes to course  placement policy on several key academic outcomes. Specifically, the study was designed to answer three questions: 

• What is the effect of the updated placement policy on students’ Math and English course enrollment, completion, and performance?  

• What is the effect of the updated placement policy on students’ overall persistence and college GPA? 

• How did faculty and students at CCC perceive the policy? 

Read the Case Study of City Colleges of Chicago's Approach Dev Ed White Paper_September 2025