Strengthening Pre-collegiate Education in Community Colleges (SPECC) is a multi-site action-research project, focused on teaching and learning in pre-collegiate mathematics and English language arts courses at 11 California community colleges. In this report, the author discusses the data gathered over the course of the SPECC project and reflects…

Until transition classes were added to the general education curriculum in 1983-84, few alternative programs directly addressed student's developmental and remedial needs. The Nashville metropolitan schools' transition program, a welcome alternative to grade retention, provides, during the transition-1 (T-1) program, additional time for the…

Discusses the Keystone Project, which is an instructional program for remedial mathematics students. Stresses the program's ability to better train students for future mathematical studies through the use of current technology. Recommends that other institutions should replicate the project in order to alleviate problems in their own schools.…

Identifies five issues concerning remedial and developmental education: what is the appropriate educational level and sector for offering remediation, how to provide effective programs for diverse students, inconsistent policies and practices, to what extent placement in remedial courses should be mandatory or advisory, and whether basic skills…

Reports on the first phase of a two-year pilot study of a university-level mathematics requirement that accommodates the needs of developmental students. Finds that the 84% pass rate for this new class format is substantially higher than the 43% pass rate for traditional developmental mathematics courses offered during the same semester. (Contains…

Millions of school children are currently at risk of academic failure; the potential costs to society are staggering. If the central factors causing a child's poor social adjustment can be addressed, both the rate of school failure and social service costs can be reduced. Attempting to control the school failure issue, the Wisconsin State…

This report reviews the college preparatory programs offered to state university students in Florida through partnerships with local community colleges. Courses are offered either at the community college or by the community college on the university campus. The program review was conducted by the State Board of Community Colleges in cooperation…

The "open-door" policy, educational opportunity programs, and financial aid to high-risk students are implicit promises that the community college will provide successful learning experiences for all students. Within this framework of concerns and promises, the Milwaukee Area Technical College designed and offered a developmental program…

The 16 chapters of this volume describe a wide variety of developmental programs intended to promote skill development and enhance academic performance for high-risk students at all levels of higher education. Following an introductory chapter by the editors, the chapters are: (1) "The Origin, Scope, and Outcomes of Developmental Education in the…

Describes Hawaii Community College's vocational preparation (Voc Prep) program, which focuses on basic communication, literacy, and mathematics skills to prepare students to enter vocational programs. Compares the Voc Prep learning community model, which includes vocational and basic skills instruction, personal development, and counseling, with…

In the fall of 1993, Quebec's Heritage College implemented a reception and integration (i.e., "d'accueil") session to help first term incoming students identified as "at-risk" and "undecided" succeed in their collegiate studies. This report describes the development and implementation of the project, focusing on…

Describes the Inverness Center in Baltimore, an alternative education institution for students unable to succeed in a regular classroom setting. Explains that services offered include therapeutic service, educational remediation, and life skills. Details the center's organization, programs, and services; its academics; and the behavior…