We examine the impact of remedial and developmental courses on college students with varying levels of academic preparedness, thus focusing on a wider range of students than previous studies. Using a regression discontinuity design, we provide causal estimates of the effects of placement in different levels of remedial courses on short-,…

This study focused on a redesigned reading program that integrated project-based activities through the contextualization of reading and information literacy strategies using library databases. Students completing the new reading curriculum were compared to students who had completed a traditional reading curriculum to assess for differences in…

English as a second language (ESL) courses seek to address a primary barrier to college success for language minority students: second language issues that can inhibit their success in college-level coursework. But, there is a limited understanding of the effects of ESL on college student outcomes. Using a rich, longitudinal data set that includes…

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of student success in developmental mathematics classes because of their instructional delivery mode at a North Texas suburban community college. The developmental mathematics courses for this study will include Beginning Algebra, Pre-Algebra and Intermediate Algebra. Classes will be offered…

This research was undertaken to determine if the redesigned modular delivery method for developmental mathematics produced a higher sequence completion rate within a year as compared to the traditional lecture style delivery. Re-enrollment rates from fall to spring for the modularized delivery system were compared to the traditional delivery…

This study investigates how the impact of developmental education is moderated by classroom composition. Drawing on a regression discontinuity design, we used data from 3,429 community college students, nested within 223 classrooms, to explore the extent to which classroom and instructor characteristics moderated the effect of developmental…

Today's nationwide focus on college completion is central to both individual and societal success. For individuals, attaining a credential has become essential to earn a livable wage and support a family. In addition, as each person's educational attainment increases, so does his or her capacity to contribute to the economy, his or her community,…

In recent years, community colleges have come into the spotlight nationally in terms of their potential to assist in the revitalization of the economy. This has resulted in an increased need for community colleges to understand more fully the factors that influence student persistence. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to…

Community colleges play an important role in providing first and second generation immigrants access to higher education and the opportunity to earn a postsecondary credential. However, immigrant students may face obstacles in pursuit of a postsecondary degree, particularly second language challenges that can inhibit their success in college-level…

This is the third and final article in this series. The first article reviewed the literature for research studies on successful developmental programs and students. The second article reported on the qualitative research methods and results documented from a purposive sample of twenty successful developmental mathematics students 3-5 years after…

To gather more accurate data on outcomes for remedial programs at McLennan Community College, in Texas, a study was conducted to track the progress up to spring 1994 of all 743 full-time, degree-seeking, first-time-in-college students who entered in fall 1991, including students not needing remediation and those not completing their remedial…

In addition to traditional study skills, the Master Student (MS) course at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), in Pennsylvania, includes subjects related to career decision making, human development, and psychology. A study was conducted to track the academic achievement, including grades, number of semesters enrolled, and total credits…

The increased number of nontraditional students in Ohio and a growing awareness of their needs have led to the recognition that developmental programs attempt to improve attitudes and skills for their own merit and are not necessarily remedial preparation for other courses. First used in the 1890's to narrow educational differences between…

AT GRAND RAPIDS JUNIOR COLLEGE, A DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM WAS ESTABLISHED FOR ENTERING STUDENTS WITH HIGH SCHOOL GRADE AVERAGES OF 1.5 OR LESS IN ACADEMIC SUBJECTS. TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS PROGRAM, THE AUTHOR COMPARED THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF THREE GROUPS--(1) A CONTROL GROUP OF LOW ACHIEVERS WHO ENROLLED IN THE COLLEGE BEFORE THE…

Presents major elements of a comprehensive pilot program called DEPTH (Developmental Education: A Program That Helps) implemented in 1977 at Raymond Walters General and Technical College. Discusses orientation program, course content and organization, advising, and program evaluation. (DR)