Katherine R. Smith Completes Certification as a Developmental Education Specialist

Mrs. Kathy Smith, Director of Learning Enhancement Services at MACU, has successfully completed all requirements leading to certification as a Developmental Education Specialist.  This certification is provided through the Kellogg Institute for the Training and Certification of Developmental Educators, Appalachian State University in NC.

In order to be granted such certification Mrs. Smith completed a two-week training program on the campus of Appalachian State University in the summer of 2016 and implemented a project on the campus of MACU during the 2016-2017 school year.  Mrs. Smith worked with Assistant Professor of English Composition Abigail Mirau in redesigning the university’s developmental English course so that students who were underprepared for college level English Composition were able to take remedial work simultaneously with the first semester of composition.

National data shows that students who have to take remedial course work prior to taking college level credit courses have a higher rate of non-completion of higher education goals.  By combining remedial course work with college level credit courses students maintain motivation because tangible progress is being made toward educational goals.

MACU is proud of Mrs. Smith for her accomplishment and her passion to see students succeed at the university.