Explores the essence of developmental education, looking at its roots in the American higher education system, and discusses how it evolved into its present state. Provides a student case study and four assumptions underlying the National Association for Developmental Education's working definition of developmental education. Contains 13…

The first of two articles presenting responses from six leaders in the field of developmental education (DE) to questions about the future of DE in the coming century. Topics addressed include the movement of DE from the four- to the two-year institutions, mainstreaming, credentialing, nontraditional students, learning assistance, and better…

In 1996, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Community College Board jointly conducted a survey of remedial/developmental education in the state's public community colleges and universities. Data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System were analyzed for 1995-96 and surveys were distributed to all public colleges and…

In fall 1996, Maryland's Prince George's Community College (PGCC) undertook an analysis of the number of underprepared students enrolled the college and their academic progress. Findings, based on outcomes for 1,596 students entering PGCC in fall 1996 who completed placement tests in reading, English composition, and mathematics, included the…

The differences in academic performance among two levels of provisionally accepted (Learning Support) college students--System-placed (S) and Institutionally-placed (I)--and other students were investigated. Of 523 Learning Support students in a required reading course (RDG 099A), 402 students exited the course. Chi-square analyses and t-tests…

This paper reports on the results of a survey of remedial programs at public and private colleges and universities in the southern region of the United States and highlights remedial education patterns by state, race, and gender. Responses were received from 606 of the 826 institutions surveyed (73%). Among the report's findings are the following:…

Successful college instruction programs have two features that are associated with increased grade point averages and retention: (1) they are comprehensive and meet student needs, and (2) they are better institutionalized into the academic mainstream of the college or university. Several program characteristics are crucial to learning improvement,…

Since 1974, Cincinnati Technical College (CTC) has offered a Developmental Education (DE) program designed to upgrade students' skills in mathematics, reading, English, and basic sciences, as well as study and interpersonal skills. The DE program offers students, particularly those with low combined Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) scores, a…

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…

Following a literature review on the subjects of the decline in student writing abilities and increased student writing apprehension, this paper offers teachers information on a basic writing program that reduces writing anxiety and improves writing skills through large doses of positive reinforcement. The second section of the paper discusses the…

A study was conducted at Rockland Community College (New York) to determine the adequacy of the reading criterion that determined entry into its intensive freshman English classes from the college skills program, a developmental program designed to improve skills in communication, mathematics, reading, and studying. A group of 746 freshman English…

Perhaps more than most academic issues, remedial education evokes fervent emotions and unyielding opinions. Consensus is hard to reach even about the nomenclature, with remedial conveying a sense of deficiency in need of correction pitted against the developmental approach that focuses on change and growth. On campus, the many aspects of the…

Investigates the effectiveness of developmental skills courses in terms of grade point average, credits earned, retention, goal attainment and degree earned. Suggests that developmental skills courses had no effect on student achievement in any of the measured areas. Contains 9 data tables and 17 references. (JDI)

A campus violence survey was completed by 189 students, most of whom were in a developmental studies program or an enrichment (honors) program. There was no difference in violent acts based on developmental or enrichment courses taken. Males were more likely to be perpetrators of crimes, especially vandalism. (SLD)

Details a reading program in which freshmen in a developmental studies program read books to children at a local public school. Reports that the students engaged the children in pre-determined learning activities and reflected on their own, as well as others', reading processes. Discusses theoretical underpinnings of this model. (Contains 19…