The impact of academic programs--such as developmental mathematics programs--on student retention, has been a controversial topic for administrators, policy makers, and faculty in higher education. Despite deep interest in the effectiveness of these programs in retaining students, scholars have been unable to determine whether such programs have a…

Middle school students with neurological impairments suffer academic declines and a reduced sense of self-worth and empowerment. Schools Attuned is a program that helps teachers recognize neurodevelopmental dysfunctions such as attention disorders, memory deficits, language disabilities, and visual and motor impairments. The program also helps…

Addresses how current conditions in the field of developmental education are fueling burnout among educators. Recognizes the role an educator's personality may play in burnout. Presents three cases of teacher burnout. Concludes that the strong argument for the social environmental perspective as a cause of burnout puts the identification and…

Suggestions on how to apply mastery learning concepts to instructing high-risk college students are offered with examples from mathematics provided. Eighty-five specific guidelines from the Personalized Systematic Instruction Inventory (PSII) are included.

The inevitability of more poorly-prepared students calls for better programs and for attention to existing sources of information and advice. Focus should be as much on improving students' self-concepts as on improving basic skills. (Author/LBH)

Understanding why students drop out is important in developing effective dropout prevention strategies. Traditional research has focused on high school dropouts; recent interest uses a developmental approach and examines possibilities for earlier intervention. Each section of this report analyzes dropout prevention at the preschool, elementary,…

In response to Virginia's House Joint Resolution 436, the State's Department of Education recommends that: (1) the present entrance age be maintained until 1995, when voluntary programs for at-risk 4-year-olds become available; (2) the discretionary period (October 31-December 31) be discontinued when voluntary programs for at-risk 4-year-olds…

Clearly stated learning objectives, a variety of learning activities, and units small enough for students to manage well are some of the crucial requirements for instructing developmental students. The model described depicts a typical systems design applied to instruction. (Author/LBH)

Describes an early intervention prekindergarten program for at-risk students stressing staff unity, a curriculum rich in developmentally appropriate activities, cooperative and mastery learning techniques, collaboration with teachers in the primary grades, intense parental involvement, and a comprehensive program evaluation. (MLH)

This paper describes a Developmental Education Outcomes Study being conducted for 21 Minnesota state community colleges. The goals of the study were to examine the academic performance of students placed into developmental reading, writing, and mathematics courses and to identify areas where improvement was needed. Subjects were all 20,543…

During recent decades, there has been an influx of underprepared students in America's colleges and universities. At many institutions, programs have been created to assist these high risk students through special classes and/or support services. Through application of student development theory these programs can shed the negative connotations of…

Underprepared students deserve targeted instruction and practical content to develop communication skills. To implement a narrow, traditional approach in teaching these skills would be shortsighted and ultimately disastrous. (Author/LBH)

An open institutional system organized around functions and purposes rather than preordained centers of power will provide the most effective climate for student success in college. Such a teleological system can respond with flexibility to a changing society and differing student needs. (Author/LBH)

Examines the relationship between self-esteem and affective variables (such as, text anxiety, mathematics anxiety, and academic autonomy) used to predict success among high-risk students. Indicates that significant positive correlations were found between self-esteem and academic autonomy, lifestyle choice, and interpersonal relationships.…

This proceedings document provides one to two page versions of papers presented on the theme of celebrating diversity in developmental education, focusing on the areas of research, administration and learning assistance, writing, reading, and mathematics. Papers include, among others: "Gender Differences in Variables Related to Academic…