A study was conducted at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) to provide a profile of the characteristics and academic performance of PVCC students in developmental reading and writing courses. Specifically, the study focused on student demographics, performance in developmental courses and college-level English courses, and the relationship…

The proceedings of a conference for administrators, faculty, and staff of developmental education programs are summarized. An introductory section outlines the history, development, and definition of developmental education in the United States and gives statistics on the number and percentage of various institution types reporting developmental…

A 6-week enrichment program for minority student medical school entrants is described and its effect on their first-year medical school performance is evaluated. The program included basic science courses, study skills training, and a seminar on special topics, particularly sociomedical issues. (MSE)

An academic enrichment program was designed for a large state university and an experiment conducted to test its effectiveness in enhancing high-risk students' academic performance. Students in the enrichment program significantly outperformed control group students but only within the program's scope. The need for continuing support efforts is…

An academic support program that integrates learning skills instruction into entry-level college courses is described and evaluated. The program is shown to have a positive effect upon student performance, attrition, and reenrollment patterns. Longitudinal shifts in grade distribution patterns are noted. (Author/MLW)

Examines the implementation and operation of Tri-County Technical College's developmental education program. Specific topics covered include the selection of program personnel, the development of a diagnostic testing component, articulation with other academic departments, and the compilation of progress reports which provide for continuous…

Discusses the necessity of using research to evaluate developmental educational programs and policies, using all college-level courses as measures of effectiveness. Provides policy recommendations. (11 citations) (YKH)

A four-week summer program at Georgia State University prepares entering African-American students for college work through instruction in mathematics, reading, composition, study skills, word processing, tutoring, academic and career counseling, mentoring, and follow-up. The program has been well received and succeeded in enhancing retention.…

During 1908-81, the final year of a 3-year institutional development project, Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) focused on increasing participation in and the services of its developmental studies program; developing the college's library into a fully functioning learning resources center; and implementing computer-assisted instruction…

Analyzes the adjustments and changes that have evolved from the inception of a pilot portfolio program through the fifth semester of its implementation in a developmental English class. The program allows for authentic, performance-based assessment and challenges students to assume more control of their writing. Asserts that the final portfolio…

Summarizes the literature on developmental reading and writing programs by discussing strategies for addressing remedial needs and obstacles to remediation. Presents the results of internal evaluations of developmental reading programs conducted at four colleges. Defines 16 strategies used by community colleges to implement effective remedial…

This paper draws on evidence from the evaluation of the piloting of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in England, to explore the extent to which a financial incentive to remain in full-time learning prevents young people entering the "not in education, employment or training" (NEET) group. Evidence from the evaluation would suggest that…

Utilizing the regression-discontinuity research design, this article explores the effectiveness of a developmental English program in a large, multicampus community college. Routinely collected data were extracted from existing records of a cohort of first-time college students followed for approximately 6 years (N = 1,473). Results are consistent…

A mandatory developmental education program at Vincennes University Junior College (Indiana) was evaluated, based on Roueche's standards for successful developmental programs. The college tests all incoming students whose scores on the American College Testing Program/Scholastic Aptitude Test suggest the need for remediation. Students who need…

This report presents findings from the third of a series of studies of the Upward Bound (UB) program. The study was conducted between April, 1978, and September, 1979, to investigate long-term educational outcomes of UB program participation. The Upward Bound program was designed for low income high school students with potential for successfully…