Dear Colleagues –
At SXSW EDU this month, I had the chance to speak about change efforts and the power of movements in postsecondary education , in a conversation moderated by Leslie Crutchfield from Georgetown University, alongside fellow panelists Dr. Yolanda Watson Spiva of Complete College America and Joel Vargas from Jobs for the Future (you can check out the full audio recording here). One thing was clear from the conversation: meaningful progress isn’t instant. Changes in policy and practice don’t happen overnight, and they don’t happen by chance. Instead, transformation happens in cycles, and sticking with them over time is critical to their success.
I’ve been thinking about this both at the systemic level (e.g., postsecondary value agenda writ large – stay tuned for next month’s newsletter) and more narrowly in the context of developmental education reform, especially as the Education Commission of the States (ECS) released its latest 50-State Comparison. The report highlights how states are refining placement policies, integrating corequisite support, and using data to improve student outcomes. It’s a reminder that while policies evolve, the goal remains the same: ensuring all students have a fair shot at success.
Other examples of how states and institutions are tackling these challenges:
- Studies from Complete College America show that corequisite models—where students receive additional academic support while enrolled in credit-bearing courses—are far more effective than traditional remedial sequences.
- Education Trust has outlined key policy levers that states can use to scale these reforms and ensure they lead to equitable student outcomes.
Developmental education reflects a broader shift in postsecondary reform. Over the past twenty years, we’ve seen changes in student success strategies, financial aid structures, and postsecondary value. Each step builds on the last, reinforcing a long-term commitment to improvement. That’s why the Gates Foundation continues investing in research, policy advocacy, and institutional partnerships to advance student-centered approaches.
At SXSW EDU, I talked about the importance of persistence—both for students navigating their educational journeys and for those of us working to improve the systems that serve them. Whether it’s developmental education or broader student success initiatives, we must keep refining, learning, and staying the course.
Regards,
Patrick Methvin
Director, Postsecondary Success
What we’re checking out
- IHEP’s Value Data Collaborative
Our partners at the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) launched the Value Data Collaborative (VDC) – a new initiative designed to assist higher education leaders in assessing and enhancing the value of postsecondary education. VDC will bring together participants from various institutions of higher education and state agencies to collaborate on strategies aimed at improving equitable outcomes.
- New Gallup and Lumina poll on higher ed value
In partnership with Lumina, Gallup recently released their 2025 State of Higher Education Study. The poll reveals that while most Americans perceive college costs as unfair, they still consider higher education a worthwhile investment. This blog post highlights some of the major findings and I’d also encourage you to dig through the full report.
- Universal FAFSA policies making an impact
New research from The Century Foundation shows that state policies requiring high school seniors to complete the FAFSA are already boosting college access. States like Texas have seen significant increases in FAFSA completion rates—key to unlocking federal aid and making college more affordable. The data suggests these policies are a promising lever for closing equity gaps in higher education.