An academic offering designed to address gaps in foundational knowledge or skills. It provides targeted instruction in areas where a student demonstrates deficiency, such as reading, writing, or mathematics. For example, a student entering college who scores below a certain threshold on a placement test might be required to enroll in a developmental math class before taking credit-bearing courses.
These targeted academic interventions are beneficial for students needing additional support to succeed in more advanced coursework. They build confidence and provide necessary tools, thus increasing the likelihood of academic achievement and persistence. Historically, such offerings have expanded in response to evolving student demographics and the growing need to ensure access to higher education for individuals from diverse educational backgrounds.