Many organizations from legislative bodies to advocacy groups to research centers have recently "discovered" developmental education in much the same way as Columbus discovered America. In the middle of the first decade of the 21st century, private philanthropic organizations, initially led by the Lumina Foundation (n.d.), promoted a…

The field of developmental education has undergone substantial change in recent years. It seems there are two primary forces driving reform at this time. The first is policy makers who believe reform is necessary in order for developmental education to perform more effectively. The second are opportunists and for-profit companies using social,…

During the four decades since the founding of the National Center for Developmental Education (NCDE; originally the Center for Developmental Education), research related to the field has continued to expand and mature. As a research center focused on using research to inform and improve practice, the NCDE's 40th Anniversary timeline presents…

This manuscript proposes a theoretical model that provides an alternative for assessing, advising, and placing underprepared students in colleges and universities. It advocates combining cognitive and affective assessment data along with information about students' personal circumstances to make more precise placement decisions via advising that…

Explores the current research on the effectiveness of remedial courses. Defines remediation in relation to developmental education, discusses the purpose of such courses, and explores the circumstances under which remedial courses succeed or fail in the accomplishment of their goals. Asserts that all students who require remediation should expect…

This paper describes the operation and results of an individualized center funded under an Office of Education grant for the provision of special services to disadvantaged students. This center is designed to apply individualized instructional techniques to remedial, developmental, and general education courses for disadvantaged students enrolled…

Discusses criticisms of remedial courses and counters some with evidence from research. Describes the traditional approach to remedial-course delivery and explores alternatives, such as freshman seminars, supplemental instruction, paired courses, and critical-thinking instruction. Calls for a systematic relationship between assessment, advising,…

Identifies and refutes seven myths regarding developmental education. Indicates that developmental education programs have a long history in America, raise academic standards, contribute to retention, are cost-effective, serve a diverse population, should not be limited to community colleges, and do not repeat high school course offerings.…

The historical roots of developmental education are traced in a three-part article extending across three serial issues. "Educating All the Nation's People," by Hunter R. Boylan and William G. White, Jr., reviews the historical antecedents of developmental education, focusing on efforts in the 17th century to prepare English-speaking American…

An analysis of research on the effectiveness of developmental education is presented in this report. Chapter I highlights different perspectives on the role of developmental education at the college level; examines definitions and discusses the mission of developmental education; and puts forward a methodology for measuring its effectiveness.…

Examines the literature regarding the cost of delivering postsecondary remedial education. Describes five studies that offer statewide and national estimates of such costs. Offers insight into the limited amount of research available on the topic, the considerable difficulties involved in collecting information, and the opposing philosophies and…

This presentation describes US efforts to enhance educational opportunity for all of its citizens by ending segregation and expanding minority enrolment. It traces the history of these efforts from 1964 through 2004 and addresses the question of who was responsible for expanding minority enrolment and how this expansion was accomplished.…