Questions and answers are presented concerning the consequences for higher education of the passage of the RAISE Bill (Senate Bill 357), a comprehensive education bill designed to raise educational standards in Florida. This statement by Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC) covers: (1) the bill and its provisions for higher education; (2) ways in…

These two papers describe the City Colleges of Chicago's (CCC's) efforts to improve their developmental programs and services. First, a series of experimental programs designed to improve students' basic skills are outlined, including: (1) programs leading to a high school diploma and subsequent CCC enrollment offered by the Chicago Urban Skills…

This study investigated the effect of timed testing on developmental students' scores and developed data that might better reveal students' reading and testing behaviors. Three tests were administered to provide six variables, including the Cooperative English Test, Form 1A (Coop 1A); Cooperative English Test, Form 1B (Coop 1B); and Degrees of…

A mandatory developmental education program at Vincennes University Junior College (Indiana) was evaluated, based on Roueche's standards for successful developmental programs. The college tests all incoming students whose scores on the American College Testing Program/Scholastic Aptitude Test suggest the need for remediation. Students who need…

Making sense of developmental education in the two-year college is difficult, particularly in the shadow of the fear that it is not working very well. There is no choice, however, but to examine openly a serious problem. The "story" about developmental education in the two-year college that most educators would like to believe is that of…

In October 1986, the Kansas State Board of Education included basic skills education as part of the role, scope and mission statements of the state's community colleges. In 1988, a study was conducted to assess the status of postsecondary remedial/developmental education. Study findings, based on semester enrollment figures for fall 1987, included…

In 1984, a study was conducted to gather information regarding the rates and patterns of student transfer from Roxbury Community College (RCC) to four-year institutions. Information on the 178 students who graduated from RCC in 1981 and 1982 was obtained from the RCC Registrar's office and the four-year institutions in Massachusetts to which…

This handbook describes the developmental education program at Alvin Community College (ACC) in terms of its philosophy, purpose, operation, implementation, and assessment. The first section examines the mission of ACC; the history of the developmental education program at the college and its current organizational structure; and the need for the…

Describes the following aspects of the Developmental Education Program at Triton College: student placement, courses, faculty selection, reading and writing instruction, mathematics instruction, the Learning Assistance Center (LAC), LAC tutoring, LAC special projects, LAC management, special needs assistance program for disabled students, and…

A survey of (N=423) community colleges showed 44 percent had human development/human relations classes. Results found a strong impact on improving self-concept, and modest impact associated with increasing retention and student employability. Little improvement of opportunity for student input into curriculum development was noted. (JAC)

Describes the rationale for and outcomes of La Guardia Community College's Critical Thinking Program. Considers the relationship of critical thinking to writing and reading. Evaluates the program's impact on students' reading, writing, and speaking skills; higher-order reasoning/problem-solving abilities; and critical attitudes toward their lives…

Santa Fe Community College (Florida) has used computerized adaptive testing with students placed in developmental reading, writing, and mathematics courses. Computerized adaptive testing utilizes the capabilities of microcomputers to adapt examinations to the abilities of individual students, may be less threatening to students, is preferred by…

Describes how two Queensborough Community College reading faculty staged a debate for developmental students to illustrate the connections between reading, writing, and critical thinking; and to encourage students to critically question and evaluate what they read and hear. Details follow-up writing and group assignments, including a student…

Discusses new technologies, applications, and computer software programs available for use in the instruction of developmental writing programs. Describes programs that function as multimedia writing "coaches" and model the writing process, collaborative writing tools that stimulate written conversations, and grammar and bibliographic tutors. (SJL)

Examines the literature regarding the cost of delivering postsecondary remedial education. Describes five studies that offer statewide and national estimates of such costs. Offers insight into the limited amount of research available on the topic, the considerable difficulties involved in collecting information, and the opposing philosophies and…