A developmental studies program which is integrated into the total curriculum of the institution and which assists in integrating its students into the mainstream of its student population is an appropriate long long-term response to pressures engendered by the equal access/academic standards dilemma. (Author)

Cites results of recent studies about deteriorating basic skills of community college students. Presents opposing views on developmental education by John Roueche (EJ 189 264) and Arthur Cohen (EJ 201 762). Argues in favor of providing for underprepared students through specialized, developmental "intensive care units" built around prescriptive…

Terry O'Banion discusses the history of the League for Innovation in the Community College, defines developmental and remedial education, presents several alternatives to the deficit model of developmental education, describes barriers to changing this model, highlights programs for improving self-concept, and identifies important faculty…

Offers seven suggestions academic assistance professionals can adopt in order to evaluate strategic models, such as study strategy courses or paired courses. Reports that a 1997 study found that only 25% of four-year institutions complete ongoing and systematic evaluation of their academic assistance programs. (Contains 32 references.) (NB)

Focuses on three key ideas students need to understand in order to become master students: the importance of ideas or concepts in thinking, how to think within the ideas of a subject or discipline, and how to learn important ideas from textbooks. Makes suggestions to students, including creating a glossary of ideas learned in each course. (NB)

Examines developmental/remedial programs at public two-year institutions across four geographical regions of the United States in order to investigate regional variations in these programs. Analyzes operational characteristics, institutional policies, and student participation and performance. Provides recommendations for practitioners,…

Eighty percent of New Mexico's 17 community college and vocational school CEOs responded to a survey revealing that they have different views on what constitutes remedial and developmental programs; and although these programs are considered compatible with the CEOs' educational philosophy, programs are not viewed on equal basis with other college…

Reviews the history and current status of developmental education. Discusses three historical phases: Pre-Open Admissions, Equality and Access, and Accountability eras. Presents results from a national survey of developmental reading programs, focusing on faculty, students, curriculum, and program links. Suggests planning strategies for the…

Describes a study of the effectiveness of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), high school graduation class percentile, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), as predictors of short- and long-term academic achievement among a sample of 58 high-risk college freshmen who participated in 1-year special studies program. (PAA)

Reviews studies on the whole-language approach of pairing reading and writing courses to enhance the learning in both. Describes a study of 154 students enrolled in basic writing. Results suggest that simultaneous enrollment in a reading class will not significantly influence ability to pass basic writing. (PAA)

Reports that students entering an urban state college still had high remedial placement rates even though they successfully completed college preparatory math and English courses in high school. Discusses the "chain of blame" and concerns regarding the rigor of high school programs. (Contains 45 references.) (AUTH/NB)

Describes the experience of one developmental reading class instructor in using articles from current event publications to foster problem solving, synthesis and analysis, and perspective-taking. Discusses the assignments given to the students and the process used for evaluating student work. Includes a six-step demonstration of study strategies.…

Discusses a common misunderstanding demonstrated by many students in basic mathematics courses: not knowing how to properly "cancel" factors in simplifying mathematical equations. Asserts that "crossing-out" or "canceling" is not a valid mathematical operation, and that instructors should be wary about using these terms because of the ease with…

Identifies the most promising policies and practices for remedial and developmental education in postsecondary education based on research findings. Also reviews the research on developmental education outcomes and discusses policy issues in developmental education, such as whether the need for developmental education can be eliminated and who…

Reports on the efforts of one developmental education program to seek faculty input regarding the provision of services. Provides a look at faculty questionnaire results, and presents recommendations for expanding the use of the program, including publicity, courses and adjunct seminars, workshops, and classroom presentations, group and individual…