A qualitative case study in 15 community colleges across the country found that learning assistance centers and specialized skills labs are an important means of increasing students' academic preparedness for postsecondary study. Since these facilities provide instruction or support in reading, writing, and math skills, it appears that they play a…

This study used the National Educational Longitudinal Study: 88 /2000 (NELS 88: /2000) dataset to explore characteristics associated with college degree attainment. The study was informed by Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior. The sample size was 6,832 postsecondary students. The findings revealed that developmental math students were less…

This applied dissertation described the evaluation of a program designed to provide students with the necessary academic and social skills needed to matriculate and graduate from the university. The problem was that there was no evidence of a formalized program evaluation to determine if the Academic Empowerment Center (AEC) was effective in…

Many school district leaders, high school administrators, and teachers--particularly those in urban areas--have struggled to reduce high school dropout rates but find themselves overwhelmed by the dimensions of the problem. Consider: Research has shown that lack of preparation in elementary and middle school, long before students reach high…

This article is designed to present an overview of critical theory, research, and evaluation for the developmental mathematics educator. Students caught in the gap between high school mathematics preparation and entry-level college mathematics expectations--developmental mathematics education students--need to have their personal narratives told…

This study examined remedial/developmental studies students' attitudes toward computer aided instruction at a two-year college in central Georgia. A total of 86 students were surveyed with an instructor-developed instrument to determine if the students held positive attitudes toward using the computer, felt that computer aided instruction was…

A study examined use of prewriting techniques among 11 students of English as a Second Language (ESL), of varying language backgrounds, enrolled in a pre-freshman composition class. It investigated use of both prewriting strategies and invention techniques taught in class, looking at: (1) whether they would be used when not specifically required;…

Recommendations of the Task Force on Undergraduate Education at the University of Houston central campus concerning the core curriculum, academic advising, developmental education, instructional improvement, and administration of the core curriculum are presented. The following objectives for the core curriculum are outlined: to insure that…

The report examines postsecondary developmental education for students denied regular admission to the institution. Addressed are such concerns as the evolution of developmental programs, the effect of developmental programs on the integrity of academic institutions, and the future of postsecondary developmental programs. The report's seven…

This report proposes that the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges take four actions regarding provisions for remedial education of skill deficient adults in California. First, background material indicates that the actions will have both immediate and long-range effects on the provision of remediation in the community colleges…

Brief descriptions of interdisciplinary developmental education programs are provided in this paper, along with a more extensive examination of the Personalized Approach to College Education (PACE) program at the College of the Finger Lakes (CFL) in Canandaigua, New York. Introductory material cites examples of developmental programs which involve…

The pre-technology program described in this report was instituted at Mercer County Community College in 1981 to help meet the educational and career counseling needs of disadvantaged, minority, and women students. The first section outlines the program's objectives which were to identify and recruit into the program educationally, culturally, or…

As postsecondary reading and study skills programs advance into the 1980's, there are issues and changes that directors of these developmental programs must face. First, reading and study skills programs must include learning resource centers where students of all skill levels can come and improve themselves. Program staff members discussing…

A study was conducted to determine whether DeKalb Technical School's developmental studies students were as successful as other students who took more conventional routes of matriculation. The study was limited to 449 students who posted grades in developmental studies and/or in specified common content courses in Reading, English and Mathematics…

An investigation was conducted at Prince George's Community College to determine Fall 1980 course passing rates within college divisions and departments; passing rates and grade distributions in courses using different modes of instruction; within-term course withdrawal rates; term-to-term retention and attrition rates; students' reasons for…