The Rise of Evidence-Based Strategies for College Remediation
- Universal Latest News
- Jul 14, 2023
- 3 min read

The days of “college for all” may be a thing of the past, and if so, what does that mean for students who are underprepared? Across the country, evidence-based reforms are being implemented in college remediation programs; strategies that result in better outcomes for the students they serve. And while academic performance is essential to their success, it turns out there’s something else at work as well: life skills.
There has been a growing consensus among educators and policymakers concerning the importance of teaching essential social and behavioral skills alongside academics in helping transitionally challenged, first-generation college students reach greater heights on their paths towards graduation. In this blog post, we’ll explore how innovative programs with an emphasis on life skills have proven successful and why such practices should become part of regular practice going forward.
What is College Remediation and Why is it Important
If you haven’t heard of college remediation, it’s a service designed to help students who may be struggling academically in certain areas. Basically, if you’re having difficulty with math or writing, for example, a remediation program can provide extra resources to help you catch up to your peers. It’s important because college can be challenging enough on its own, and falling behind early on can have negative consequences later. With remediation, you can get the support you need to succeed and make the most of your college experience.
The Rise of Evidence-Based Strategies for College Remediation
Evidence-based strategies for college remediation are designed to bridge the gap between traditional academic support and life skills. For example, programs such as Transition to College Success (TCS), which is piloted in several community colleges, make use of principles from positive psychology such as self-efficacy and mindfulness, in order to help first-generation college students develop the skills they need to make the most of their college experience. This includes improving problem-solving, communication and goal-setting techniques, as well as teaching stress management and time management skills.
These evidence-based strategies have been shown to be successful in helping first-generation students better manage their academic workload, persist through college, and eventually graduate. Studies have also shown that a focus on life skills can help students develop greater self-awareness, self-confidence, and motivation — all of which are essential to success in college and beyond.
Identifying the Most Effective Interventions for Each Student’s Needs
Every student is different, and as such, every student’s needs will be different. It is important to understand what specific interventions are most effective for each individual, in order to ensure they get the best results.
This means identifying which programs are a good fit based on students’ academic goals and progress. In some cases, this may mean a more structured approach, such as TCS. In other cases, it may be a combination of tutoring and life skills instruction.
Implementing an Evidence-Based System to Ensure Success in Remediation
As college remediation programs become more evidence-based, it is important to implement a system that will help ensure success. This means providing students with the life skills they need while also giving them access to academic support and resources.
It also means creating an environment in which students feel supported and have access to mentors who can help guide them through their college experience.
Looking at the Bigger Picture… Is This Trend Sustainable and Will It Make a Difference in the Long Run?
Ultimately, the goal of college remediation is to help students succeed and reach their full potential. It is important to consider not just the immediate impact of life skills instruction, but also its long-term effects.
Will these evidence-based strategies continue to be successful in helping students persist through college and graduate?
Will they lead to better job opportunities and increased earnings?
Only time will tell, but it is clear that these interventions have the potential to make a difference in the lives of students who may otherwise struggle in college. By giving them access to life skills instruction and additional academic support, we can create an environment where all students are given the opportunity to succeed.
To sum up, remediation services can be an important part of helping students reach their full potential and succeed in college. By utilizing evidence-based strategies, we can create effective interventions for each student’s needs and better equip them to persist through college and achieve their goals. In the long run, this could make a big difference in our society as a whole.







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