Positive-working imageable elements can be imaged and processed using a processing solution that comprises at least 0.03 N of an organic amine or a mixture thereof, whose conjugated acids have a pKa greater than 9 and a boiling point greater than 150° C. The imageable element is a single-layer, infrared radiation-sensitive positive-working imageable element comprising a substrate and an infrared radiation absorbing compound. It also has an imageable layer that comprises a developability-enhancing compound and a poly(vinyl acetal) in which at least 25 mol % of its recurring units comprise pendant phenol, naphthol, or anthracenol groups that are substituted with one or more electron-withdrawing groups.