A multiple-indicator and multiple-design approach for evaluating the quality of basic skills programs in reading, writing, and mathematics that has been implemented within a statewide system of higher education in the southeastern United States was assessed. Several of the evaluation methodologies are compared in order to determine whether results…

This report begins with a brief history of the City University of New York (CUNY), including the institution of its "Open Admissions Policy," and the end to free tuition. During the late 70's and early 80's, CUNY began to bring order to the chaos of remedial experiments brought on by open admissions. Assessment tests in reading, writing,…

This study examined the nature and needs of international students in American higher education within the context of multicultural and globalized educational programs and support services. Most international students are considered developmental upon admission into postsecondary institutions. The success of these students has been attributed to…

A community college polled its basic skills students about their high school academic experience and study skills and habits. Most felt that too little had been expected of them, and that their remedial program experience had made them better students. An increase in academic underpreparedness is forecast. (Author/MSE)

Discusses core issues of remedial/developmental education, including state policies, cost, standards, effectiveness, and which sector of higher education should provide it. Describes characteristics of remediation students and provides policy recommendations. (27 citations) (YKH)

Remedial and developmental programs at two-year and four-year colleges in states belonging to the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) were studied, along with placement standards for degree-credit, college-level work in SREB states and institutions. These programs, courses, and activities were designed specifically for first-time entering…

Information on Bowie State College (Maryland), its students, and the performance of participants in the Special Services Project is presented to demonstrate a need for the project in 1986. After briefly describing the college and its goals, a literature review addresses the need for special services for specific student groups. Bowie State College…

The extent of postsecondary remedial studies in the United States was investigated in 1983-1984, along with characteristics of current programs, and measures of program effectiveness. Reliable national estimates were sought on: the number and type of courses offered; the percent of students taking remedial courses and recent enrollment changes;…

The history of learning assistance (e.g., courses, tutorials, and counseling) in U.S. senior colleges is traced, starting with the period 1830-1875. With the establishment of New York University in 1830 came a growth of liberal education over classical training and a new emphasis on instruction in English and preparatory education. When the 1862…

This paper addresses developmental education programs as mechanisms for enhancing the survival rates of disadvantaged populations in higher education. Specifically, the paper identifies and discusses the critical dimensions of effective developmental education programs, including recruitment, admissions, diagnosis and prescription, orientation,…

The Transition Class is an alternative model to the traditional college sequence of developmental courses. Offered as an option to prospective students before they complete the college application and financial aid procedures, the 12-week Transition Class is nongraded and free of charge. By taking the class before they fully matriculate in the…

In the prevailing atmosphere of concern for basic skills development, Houston Community College System (HCCS) faculty and administration perceived the need for a self-evaluation of HCCS's developmental studies programs. The purposes of the resulting study are: (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of the institution's developmental studies programs by…

This document consists of the project reports for the first two program years of Project LEEWAY: Steps to Success, a program at Lee College (Baytown, Texas) designed to promote and facilitate access to vocational-technical education and training, especially for women in nontraditional careers. The 1993-94 report discusses the development of this…

The Department of Developmental Education (DDE) at Peirce Junior College (PJC) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serves a student population that is 56% minority, 85% first-generation college students, and 80% academically underprepared. In an effort to improve academic and counseling services to PJC's educationally disadvantaged students, a tutorial…

The Testing and Assessment Department of Dawson Technical Institute (Illinois) determined that approximately 25-30 percent of the students taking the entrance Test of Adult Basic Education do not meet the academic level required to start a training program. A competency-based adult reading and math program was developed, and the decision was made…