Examines the following aspects of the relationship between assessment and student success: the developing relationship between assessment and instruction; a model comprehensive assessment and placement delivery system; a critical path for assessment and placement; campus studies; and student flow from assessment through instruction. (DMM)

Considers dyslexia a major cause of failure among academically low-skilled, open-admissions college students. Argues that the legal definition excluding extrinsic causes of dyslexia is inaccurate, misleading, discriminatory, and the major reason for the scarcity of college programs for dyslexic adults. Suggests instructional/curricular strategies…

Identifies six types of developmental studies students: those who made educational decisions adversely affecting their academic future; adult learners; students whose academic weaknesses were ignored; foreign students; handicapped students; and students with weak academic commitments. Suggests that developmental programs represent the only avenue…

One community college responded to the problem of high risk students with the development of a guided studies program, in which developmental studies students' progress is monitored carefully, and a student intentions reporting system helps students fulfill their educational objectives. (MSE)

Reports findings from a national survey of 1,269 representative colleges and universities, concerning institutional perceptions of the basic skills preparation of entering freshmen, the extent of students' needs for basic skills help at various types of institutions, and the ways in which institutions are responding to student needs. (AYC)

Discusses methods for identifying potential college students with specific learning disabilities. Examines a systems approach to the diagnosis and remediation of such students, which involves analyzing the educational task, preparing criterion measures, designing behavioral objectives, and preparing instructional sequences. Offers guidelines for…

Validity coefficients of the Descriptive Tests of Language Skills, the Academic Tests of the ACT Assessment Program (ACT), and high school percentile rank were calculated with cumulative grade point average (CGPA) at end of each of four years of college for 496 students entering through a special admissions program. The most valid predictor of…

Reports on a study of the status of remedial education as perceived by state directors of community/junior colleges. Looks at findings related to definitions, mission, funding, coordination/administration, providers, and current status. Offers recommendations in each of these areas. (DMM)

The presence of high-risk students has forced schools of nursing to analyze instructional processes and develop skills in helping students help themselves. Developmental programs increase student success without minimizing educational quality. Attention must be refocused from predictive selection to effective retention of candidates. (JOW)

This report reviews the performance of Arizona's Maricopa Community College District (MCCD) toward achievement of the Governing Board's goals, which reflect the district mission components of (1) transfer and general education; (2) developmental education; (3) workforce development; (4) student development services; (5) continuing/community…

This paper contains an overview of policy decisions being made at the state and national levels about learning assistance activities in higher education and developmental education. The principles driving those decisions are also outlined. Some policymakers want to fine the high schools from which under prepared students have graduated; others…

This document examines whether early targeted academic intervention can improve college admission test scores and pre- college planning for students identified through the Duke Talent Search and the school system Challenge Program. Students selected for the Early Awareness Test Preparation Pilot Program were invited to participate during their…

This report offers research and analysis of outcomes for 15,743 students who enrolled in basic skills mathematics classes at Rio Hondo College in California between fall 1996 and summer 2001. The research was done at the request of the basic skills mathematics faculty. Although the California Community College Chancellor's Office defines remedial…

This paper discusses current issues and trends in developmental education. The biggest trend is expected to be the concurrent development of learning strategies while students are enrolled in graduation-credit content courses. Separate developmental education courses will be mainstreamed into the traditional college course work in a variety of…

This report describes the educational outcomes of students enrolled in developmental/remedial courses at one postsecondary institution. Three questions are addressed: What are the demographics of students enrolled in developmental/remedial courses? What percentage of students pass developmental/remedial courses on the first attempt? and How do…