This article explores one basic writer's evolution as he moves from the lowest level of developmental English at a community college to graduate with a Bachelor's degree. Combining personal narrative, essay excerpts, and textual analysis, this piece aims to expand the borders of scholarship in composition studies to include basic writers as…

Explores why few students sought out and used resources in a heavily supported program that offered students a wide range of services to help them assume responsibility for their own writing. Considers under what circumstances students seek and not seek help. Concludes that students' perception of a context of care is crucial to their taking on…

Explains how faculty at Quinnipiac College reconceptualized developmental English and designed a new program that provides additional instructional time within the regular freshman English course. Finds that developmental students are better motivated and achieve growth in reading and writing commensurate with students who had a prior semester of…

Presents an intensive case study using ethnographic techniques to understand how teaching affects nonmainstream students, particularly Latinos. Suggests that much of the problem is students feeling out of place and notes that the writing teacher's role is finding ways to get students to come to class and motivate them to participate. (SG)