Many school district leaders, high school administrators, and teachers--particularly those in urban areas--have struggled to reduce high school dropout rates but find themselves overwhelmed by the dimensions of the problem. Consider: Research has shown that lack of preparation in elementary and middle school, long before students reach high…

This article is designed to present an overview of critical theory, research, and evaluation for the developmental mathematics educator. Students caught in the gap between high school mathematics preparation and entry-level college mathematics expectations--developmental mathematics education students--need to have their personal narratives told…

Recommendations of the Task Force on Undergraduate Education at the University of Houston central campus concerning the core curriculum, academic advising, developmental education, instructional improvement, and administration of the core curriculum are presented. The following objectives for the core curriculum are outlined: to insure that…

Brief descriptions of interdisciplinary developmental education programs are provided in this paper, along with a more extensive examination of the Personalized Approach to College Education (PACE) program at the College of the Finger Lakes (CFL) in Canandaigua, New York. Introductory material cites examples of developmental programs which involve…

The pre-technology program described in this report was instituted at Mercer County Community College in 1981 to help meet the educational and career counseling needs of disadvantaged, minority, and women students. The first section outlines the program's objectives which were to identify and recruit into the program educationally, culturally, or…

One community college responded to the problem of high risk students with the development of a guided studies program, in which developmental studies students' progress is monitored carefully, and a student intentions reporting system helps students fulfill their educational objectives. (MSE)

This report reviews the performance of Arizona's Maricopa Community College District (MCCD) toward achievement of the Governing Board's goals, which reflect the district mission components of (1) transfer and general education; (2) developmental education; (3) workforce development; (4) student development services; (5) continuing/community…

This paper contains an overview of policy decisions being made at the state and national levels about learning assistance activities in higher education and developmental education. The principles driving those decisions are also outlined. Some policymakers want to fine the high schools from which under prepared students have graduated; others…

This paper discusses current issues and trends in developmental education. The biggest trend is expected to be the concurrent development of learning strategies while students are enrolled in graduation-credit content courses. Separate developmental education courses will be mainstreamed into the traditional college course work in a variety of…

This report provides an overview of the Learning Center at South Plains College (Texas) during the 1998-99 academic year. Since its inception in 1980, the Learning Center has offered developmental courses, collegiate instruction in reading and human development, peer-tutoring, computer-aided instruction, independent-study opportunities, workshops…

With staff and faculty support, an urban community college's administration has reorganized the school's structure, turned around its negative public image, scrutinized and deemphasized its less productive courses, and revised its curriculum to more accurately serve student, community, and labor market needs. Developmental studies played a large…

Describes an experimental program in which remedial instruction in reading, writing, and basic study skills is coupled with content courses in general studies, biology, history, and psychology. Explains how remedial and content courses are paired, examines methods of evaluating student progress, and presents guidelines for program implementation.…

Asks a number of questions concerning the delivery of multicultural education, including, "How do we define multiculturalism?" and, "Whose responsibility is it to provide equity in higher education?" Articulates 10 guiding principles for achieving equity in institutions of higher learning, and offers a brief discussion of these principles.…

Argues that demandingness, responsiveness, and self-regulation could be used to organize, explain, and predict useful techniques for developmental education practitioners. Also contends that student self-regulation is developed in demanding and supportive environments. Stresses the need for a training initiative in developmental education.…

Miami-Dade Community College (Florida) and Joliet Junior College (Illinois), have institutionalized their commitment to encouraging cultural pluralism. Miami-Dade has established developmental studies courses for students and faculty development courses for both new and continuing teachers. Joliet fosters and teaches about diversity through…