A recent study found that one in three Americans between the ages of 16 and 65 lack the skills needed to succeed in middle school math, let alone math at the high school or college level. In some instances, states or colleges have raised standards for developmental courses and routed students who score below the minimum skill level for…

This document argues that the availability of developmental education is essential to the well being of the American economy and social structure. By the year 2050, U.S. citizens will be older and nearly 50% will belong to a minority group. The fastest growing population is Hispanic American, resulting from immigration and higher birth rates. This…

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…

Asserts that taking Introduction to College Writing, a fundamental writing course at Central Missouri State University, improves student academic achievement by developing their basic writing skills and preparing them for more advanced, general education writing courses. (VWC)

The Step-Up to College Program was initiated in the summer of 1980 to provide basic skills instruction in English and mathematics for incoming freshmen, re-entry adult students, and high school students and adults considering college. Program participants who were enrolled in both the English and math courses (N=125) were asked to take part in a…

Although community colleges currently account for over half of minority enrollment in America, there is controversy regarding whether the colleges actually provide minority students with access to higher education or merely track them into low-level studies. A number of barriers to success face minority community college students, such as…