In 1988, a study was conducted to examine student assessment and related remedial/developmental programs in Michigan's 29 community colleges. Administrators or instructors with direct responsibility for developmental education programs were surveyed regarding the existence of an institutional definition of and mission statement for remedial…

This collection of essays addresses various themes related to developmental education in two-year colleges. The collection contains: (1) "Responding to Criticism of Developmental Education," by Arthur M. Cohen, which answers six criticisms commonly leveled against remedial education; (2) "The Politics of Remediation," by Dennis McGrath and Martin…

Special programs provided to low income, nontraditional students at Livingston College, New Jersey, are described. In the academic year 1978-79, 498 students were enrolled in special programs, over two-thirds were black and over one-half came from families with annual incomes of less than $6,000. Ninety-seven percent came from families with…

The City University of New York (CUNY) New York City Technical College (New York) piloted an "immersion" developmental-studies program for CUNY applicants who failed one or more of three admissions assessments (reading, writing, mathematics). If successful, the program may serve as a case study for remediation reform. The program…

In an effort to assess the effectiveness of its developmental studies program, Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio undertook a study of first-time college students who began their studies at the college in Fall 1991. The study sought to determine the relationship between level of remediation and retention, college-level English or math…

An instrument was designed to survey students' impressions of Bowie State College (Maryland), with attention to administration, counseling and academic support services, and course loads. The research population consisted of students participating in the Special Services project at the college. Questionnaires were returned by six students, five…

A multiple-indicator and multiple-design approach for evaluating the quality of basic skills programs in reading, writing, and mathematics that has been implemented within a statewide system of higher education in the southeastern United States was assessed. Several of the evaluation methodologies are compared in order to determine whether results…

This report begins with a brief history of the City University of New York (CUNY), including the institution of its "Open Admissions Policy," and the end to free tuition. During the late 70's and early 80's, CUNY began to bring order to the chaos of remedial experiments brought on by open admissions. Assessment tests in reading, writing,…

This study examined the nature and needs of international students in American higher education within the context of multicultural and globalized educational programs and support services. Most international students are considered developmental upon admission into postsecondary institutions. The success of these students has been attributed to…

A community college polled its basic skills students about their high school academic experience and study skills and habits. Most felt that too little had been expected of them, and that their remedial program experience had made them better students. An increase in academic underpreparedness is forecast. (Author/MSE)

Discusses core issues of remedial/developmental education, including state policies, cost, standards, effectiveness, and which sector of higher education should provide it. Describes characteristics of remediation students and provides policy recommendations. (27 citations) (YKH)

Remedial and developmental programs at two-year and four-year colleges in states belonging to the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) were studied, along with placement standards for degree-credit, college-level work in SREB states and institutions. These programs, courses, and activities were designed specifically for first-time entering…

Information on Bowie State College (Maryland), its students, and the performance of participants in the Special Services Project is presented to demonstrate a need for the project in 1986. After briefly describing the college and its goals, a literature review addresses the need for special services for specific student groups. Bowie State College…

The extent of postsecondary remedial studies in the United States was investigated in 1983-1984, along with characteristics of current programs, and measures of program effectiveness. Reliable national estimates were sought on: the number and type of courses offered; the percent of students taking remedial courses and recent enrollment changes;…

The history of learning assistance (e.g., courses, tutorials, and counseling) in U.S. senior colleges is traced, starting with the period 1830-1875. With the establishment of New York University in 1830 came a growth of liberal education over classical training and a new emphasis on instruction in English and preparatory education. When the 1862…