Developmental Studies

What is the Developmental Studies Program?

The Developmental Studies program helps students achieve their academic potential and enhance their chances for degree completion by providing courses to improve academic aptitude in writing, reading, and mathematics. Developmental Studies includes but is not limited to:

a) coursework,
b) academic advisement,
c) all forms of learning assistance such as tutoring, mentoring, and supplemental instruction, and
d) personal, academic, and career counseling. Developmental Studies is aware of and attentive to individual uniqueness and special needs among learne

Developmental Studies Placement

Students are placed in developmental courses based on test scores earned on standardized assessments such as ACT, SAT, PERT, and ACCUPLACER.

Students are then placed into developmental courses at the appropriate level indicated by the scores earned on the placement tests.

Students must register for developmental courses each term until all required courses are successfully completed. Students enrolled in developmental studies courses may enroll in college-level courses concurrently, if they meet the course prerequisites.

Developmental courses are designed to provide students with the basic skills needed to achieve success in college-level courses. Students earn a grade of Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U); a grade of “S” must be earned to pass the course. Courses are zero (0) credits and do not apply toward the academic program of study, do not transfer to other institutions, and grades earned do not calculate as part of the GPA shown on transcripts.

Developmental Studies courses are designed to help students improve the fundamental academic skills (particularly in writing, reading, and math) needed to achieve success in college-level courses.

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MAT 0018 DEVELOPMENTAL MATH I

Developmental Mathematics I is a course designed for students who need to strengthen their mathematical background. A portion of the course assignments are to be completed online on MyMathLab. This course must be passed with a minimum grade of "C" and is not intended to satisfy general education requirements in mathematics or to count toward required credit hours for graduation. This course will also prepare students for the next course in this sequence; MAT 0028 Developmental Mathematics II

MAT 0028 DEVELOPMENTAL MATH II

Developmental Mathematics II is a course designed for students who need to strengthen their mathematical backgrounds in Pre-Algebra and Algebra topics. A portion of the course assignments are to be completed online on MyMathLab. This course must be passed with a minimum grade of "C" on the MAT 28 Final Exam and is not intended to satisfy general education requirements in mathematics, or to count toward required credit hours for graduation. This course will also prepare students for the required math courses for their major curriculum.

ENC 0015 DEVELOPMENTAL WRITING I

Developmental Writing I is the first of two required college preparatory writing courses designed to improve students’ critical thinking as well as oral and written communication skills. This course consists of three hours of classroom instruction but does not carry credit hours towards the academic major curriculum or graduation. Students must pass Developmental Writing I in order to enroll in Developmental Writing II.

ENC 0025 DEVELOPMENTAL WRITING II

Developmental Writing II is the second of two required college preparatory writing courses designed to improve students’ critical thinking as well as oral and written communication skills. This course consists of three hours of classroom instruction but does not carry credit hours towards the academic major curriculum or graduation. Students must pass Developmental Writing II in order to enroll in Freshman Communicative Skills I [ENC1101].

REA 0007 DEVELOPMENTAL READING I

Developmental Reading I focuses on areas of basic reading skills, word attachment, phonics, dictionary skills, spelling, listening skills, literal and critical comprehension, and vocabulary building. This course consists of three hours of classroom instruction but does not carry any credit hours towards the academic major curriculum or graduation. Students must pass Developmental Reading I in order to enroll in Developmental Reading II.

REA 0017 DEVELOPMENTAL READING II

Developmental Reading II Introduces and reinforces literal, inferential, and critical reading skills needed to become a proficient reader of college-level textbooks and other related reading materials. The course will help students identify key information in paragraphs as well as distinguish between major and minor details. This course consists of three hours of classroom instruction but does not carry any credit hours towards the academic major curriculum or graduation.

The Developmental Studies Supplemental Mentor (SM) is a peer-lead academic assistance program meant to improve students’ academic performance and increase retention.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic support model that utilizes peer-assisted study sessions.

The primary purpose of Supplemental Instruction is to increase retention, improve student grades in courses that have been identified as high-failure courses, and increase graduation rates.

Data provided from the University of Missouri- Kansas City has shown that students who attend supplemental instruction at least once per week earn on average a final grade one-half to a whole letter grade higher than their classmates who did not regularly attend.
The Developmental Studies program has combined the Supplemental Instruction model with a standard student academic mentor model to create the Supplemental Mentor (SM). Supplemental Mentors are assigned two (2) Developmental Studies classes which they must attend with the Developmental Studies student.

The SMs must facilitate weekly review sessions on course materials outside the classroom. The SM serves as a mentor for the Developmental Studies student by building a positive relationship and assisting students with getting acclimated to college life.

Supplemental Mentors are juniors, seniors, and graduate students who have maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher and excelled in the subject area for which they are mentoring (Math, English or reading).

Meet The Developmental Studies Team

Developmental Studies faculty are comprised of part-time adjunct and full-time faculty from a variety of schools and colleges including English and Modern Languages, Mathematics, and Business and Industry. Our faculty are dedicated instructors who understand and are concerned with the needs of the students we serve.
Program Director
Dr. Tamaria Williams

Developmental Reading Faculty
Gladys Lang, Ph.D.
Deidre Powell, Ph.D.
Developmental Mathematics Faculty
Adam Bailey
Patricia Bruce
Hezekiah Ford
Cindy Gipson
Avah Haugabrook
Celia Suluki
Developmental English Faculty
Makisha Cheeks, Ph.D.
Talib Din
Tracey Jones
Nandi Riley
Kristine Snodgrass
Yvette Stennett
Jeneen Surrency, Ph. D.
Leesther Thomas, Ph.D.
Alexander Williams

Contact Us

Program Director | Dr. Tamaria Williams

501 Orr Drive
Gore Education Complex- C 214
Tallahassee, Florida 32307

P:: (850) 901-8624
F:: 850-412-5952
E:: Tamaria.Williams@famu.edu

Developmental Studies