Developmental Studies Policies and Guidelines

In an effort to provide more effective educational services for students, the college participates in the Tennessee Board of Regents' (TBR) Developmental Studies assessment program to assess basic skills. Student placement is based on valid ACT and/or Compass scores. Through this assessment, Roane State can identify the students' academic strengths and weaknesses in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. This information, along with the student's past educational history, is used to provide the student with advisement and placement data concerning the courses that will best help him/her to improve skills in these areas as well as study skills.

All Tennessee Board of Regents colleges and universities require that all first time degree-seeking students undergo assessment. Transfer students who have not successfully completed college-level reading, writing, and mathematics courses must also undergo assessment. Further information regarding basic skills assessment can be obtained by contacting Counseling and Career Services on the Roane County or Oak Ridge campuses or by choosing the Assessment/Placement link below.

Restricted Enrollment

Students whose assessment results require enrollment in Developmental Studies Program (DSP) courses may not enroll in certain college level courses until they have satisfactorily met the exit criteria of the appropriate DSP courses. Exceptions to this policy require the approval of the Director of Developmental Studies and the completion of the related documentation.

Notes on Schedule Planning

1. Students required to take developmental mathematics may not enroll in any college level mathematics course. Business Math is not considered a mathematics course.

2. Students required to take developmental writing may not enroll in any college level English course.

3. Students testing into developmental reading should not enroll in any college level course that requires extensive reading. Such courses are not easily identified due to differences in how faculty members approach courses. Prospective instructors or the DSP Office may help in this situation.

NOTE: Faculty should review the DSP Policies and Procedures Manual for additional information.