This mixed-method study explored the alignment of expected student learning outcomes (SLOs) and expected student entrance skills, as stated within "course outlines of record" (CORs), for basic skills courses in one California community college district. Researchers evaluated consistencies and discrepancies in course alignment. There were…

Identifies problems and decisions made surrounding the implementation of a basic writing program. (HOD)

After learning that graduating seniors at El Cajon Valley High School, California, were scoring around the 20th percentile in all the basic skills areas tested, teachers redoubled their efforts to establish proficiency standards in basic skills already identified by the community and governing board as a first priority. (Author/RK)

Advocates the testing and placement of incoming college students, arguing that students need access to information on their personal attributes and institutional options. Identifies criteria to be considered in selecting placement tests and making placement decisions. Offers suggestions for creating a systematic placement process. (DMM)

Drawing from an extensive literature review and interviews with faculty and administrators in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), this study report examines successful practices in basic skills instruction in community colleges. After providing background on the importance of basic skills programs in light of the increasing number…

Describes the development of Park College's writing workshop approach to remediating students' writing skills deficiencies, focusing on: the large number of underprepared students at Park, the various approaches which had been utilized unsuccessfully, and the benefits of the six-hour per week workshop with regard to students' reactions and…

This document provides background on the development of the Alabama Basic Competency Tests (ABCT). James E. McLean, in "Introduction to the ABCT," discusses the creation of the tests, compares them with the California Achievement Tests, and indicates the ABCT relationship to the Alabama High School Graduation Exam. "Review of Past…

Highlights of a Basic Skills Learning Centers (BSLC) Project are presented at the end of two full years of the three-year program, which was designed to provide nonurban elementary schools in 20 western states with resources to help teach basic reading and mathematics skills. A description of the participating schools (489 schools in 145…

The 16 chapters of this volume describe a wide variety of developmental programs intended to promote skill development and enhance academic performance for high-risk students at all levels of higher education. Following an introductory chapter by the editors, the chapters are: (1) "The Origin, Scope, and Outcomes of Developmental Education in the…

Laredo Junior College (LJC) is a comprehensive community college in Texas, serving a student population that is 93% Hispanic and 61% female. In response to evidence that LJC was not adequately preparing students with the basic and academic skills needed to transfer, LJC expanded and restructured its assessment, placement, and remediation programs.…

This handbook presents guidelines for establishing adult education programs in county jails while simultaneously describing the establishment of an adult education program in the Bell County Jail in Texas in 1980. The three chapters of the handbook describe the preliminary planning, staff selection, and curriculum development and delivery stages…

This monograph is part of OPTIONS, a packaged set of materials developed to provide postsecondary administrators, program planners, curriculum developers, counselors, and instructors with up-to-date, reliable information. This volume and two other monographs are intended to enable counselors and instructors to establish and conduct special…

By the late 1960s, the most offered courses in American community colleges were remedial reading, remedial writing, and remedial arithmetic. The success of the early efforts in community colleges was marginal at best, as is evidenced by a 1968 study indicating that nearly 90 percent of all remedial students failed or dropped out of remedial…

The Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) is a statewide program designed to ensure that all students attending public colleges and universities have the basic reading, mathematics, and writing skills necessary to perform effectively at the college level. All entering first-time freshmen are required to take the TASP test, which has a basic skills…

Traditionally, the fundamental goal of all American education has been to provide students with adequate competencies in reading, writing, and mathematics. A year-long project, conducted at three high schools in Hardin County, Kentucky, provided for the development of a fourth basic: computer skills. Through this project, computer skills were…