Forty-two of 47 public community colleges in Texas currently offer developmental/compensatory programs. Programmatic goals fall into two categories: (1) the improvement of cognitive skills to the extent that students can progress into credit courses; (2) affective development to improve student self-concept, provide motivation and a successful…

Evidence concerning compensatory education programs (designed to overcome educational deficits associated with adverse environmental circumstances) and their impact was sought in a study that investigated the progress made by students in such programs for reading over a six-year span, from middle school and through high school. Data were obtained…

This paper reviews seven studies comparing the differential effects of early childhood programs and approaches on children's development: (1) Planned Variation in Head Start; (2) Planned Variation in Follow Through; (3) Soar and Soar Study of Follow Through; (4) Miller and Dyer's Planned Variations Study; (5) Karnes Curriculum Comparison Study;…

Characteristics and perceived training needs were studied for 173 educators working with nontraditional students and other high-risk students in developmental education in the Massachusetts community college system. Most respondents spend their time working directly with students. Classroom and counseling skills are areas in which respondents most…

This document contains reports and abstracts of research relating to current problems of community college education in Texas. Topics discussed include: methods of encouraging students to accept responsibility for their own learning; individualized instruction and the concept of continuous progress; the effectiveness of three modes of instructor…

Evaluates the effectiveness of calculator usage in the learning of basic skills by developmental mathematics students with respect to increasing mathematical performance, as measured by a "no calculator permitted" content specific test. Results show calculator usage neither positively nor negatively affected the attainment of basic skills.…

The sixth annual comprehensive evaluation report of the U.S. Office of Education (OE) reviews approximately 90 programs administered by OE as of September 30, 1976. It updates the information in the fiscal year 1975 report by incorporating the results of evaluation studies completed during FY 1976 as well as additional information obtained from…

Presents three categories of approaches to assess the impact of college supplemental instruction (SI) programs on an institution: anecdotal information; descriptive statistics; and inferential statistics. For SI programs required to justify their existence, these methods include a range of assessment devices from simple testimony to rigorous…

Investigates using comprehension monitoring as a technique for problem solving by students in three different sections of developmental algebra. Concludes that students who receive increased emphasis in the use of comprehension monitoring strategies perform better than those who do not receive the training. (Contains 16 references.) (NB)

Reports on study of 20 classes of developmental studies mathematics at Middle Tennessee State University. The experimental group received mid-term grade reports, while the control group did not. The study found no significant difference between experimental group and control group between midterm and final grade report averages. Posttest scores…

Argues that many developmental students succeed in college regardless of their basic academic ability and high school records. Presents data that suggest that, as a predictor of academic success over time, conscientiousness combined with metacognitive study skills is superior to ACT test performance. Suggests that proper developmental learning…

Examines five perceived inhibitors of successful performance in an intermediate algebra course: (1) non-native English speaking faculty; (2) teaching assistants versus adjunct faculty; (3) student performance in mathematics versus other courses; (4) relationship of student performance to performance in subsequent mathematics courses; and (5)…

Offers seven suggestions academic assistance professionals can adopt in order to evaluate strategic models, such as study strategy courses or paired courses. Reports that a 1997 study found that only 25% of four-year institutions complete ongoing and systematic evaluation of their academic assistance programs. (Contains 32 references.) (NB)

Argues that writing is a social practice, and as such, student writing should be thought of as part of the larger society. Reports on responses from 393 (over 50% of those solicited) students in developmental writing courses, which indicate that students want to feel they have a stake in their own learning. (Contains 26 references.) (NB)

Investigates whether aptitude/achievement subgroups of developmental college students differ in their reported use of self-regulated learning strategies, task value, and grade expectations. Reports that only low-achieving and low-aptitude students differed significantly from their peers, indicating that subgroups may have a greater need for…