Attrition for entry-level, non-traditional college students taking developmental reading courses is a concern for higher education institutions. Students need to complete basic developmental reading courses in order to progress in their vocational or collegiate studies. This phenomenological study followed a social constructivist approach to…

This study focused on the factors that were positive contributors to the success of two-year college students at six colleges who were or had been enrolled in basic skill developmental programs. For study purposes, success involved student eligibility to continue in a chosen program. Variables used in evaluating student success/non-success…

Reports the success of the remedial/foundations courses at the University of Houston Downtown College and their incorporation into regular university structure, and describes the increasing acceptance of special student support services. Includes a bibliography. (TP)

This monograph, consisting of four sections, focuses on developmental education in the higher education setting. The first section, by Johnnie Ruth Clarke, provides an overall perspective on learning through developmental programs. Included are discussions of the developmental approach, developmental students and instructional activities, and…

A national study on Adult Functional Competency, conducted by the University of Texas, determined that less than one-half of the adult population (46%) was proficient in handling the demands of modern living. Educators have never done even an adequate job of educating the country's people. If the primary goal of the teaching profession is to…

The role of tutoring services in special programs designed to meet the needs of non-traditional community college students was studied through a review of the literature on history of tutoring programs, the development of special programs to meet the remedial, developmental, and compensatory education needs of underprepared students, special…

Discusses the decisions colleges must make in planning programs for nontraditional or high risk students and categorizes these decisions under four areas: (1) organizational considerations; (2) program dimensions, i.e. content and instructional strategies; (3) decisions about students; and (4) program evaluation procedures. (JG)

This paper describes support programs and services at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) designed to provide alternatives for the nontraditional student. All entering students scoring below the 20th percentile on the reading section of the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills are advised to enter a program named Project II, a block…

Discusses the difficulties of meeting the needs of nontraditional junior college students who are lacking in both basic skills and an understanding of educational responsibility or discipline. (MKM)

Developmental studies programs are a reality in many colleges and universities, and where they do not now exist, the likelihood of their presence in the near future is high. Student developmental programs are a key ingredient within institutional resources to improve chances of success for students in developmental studies. Student development is…

In spring 1978, a survey questionnaire designed to elicit demographic information on the student population as well as subjective data to form a clear picture of the typical student and identification of student needs, was administered throughout the De Anza College extended campus operation. College administrators were particularly interested in…

Three conference papers comprise the bulk of this report on understanding "new students" and their academic needs. "The Promise of Learning Through Developmental Programs", by Johnnie Ruth Clarke, deals with the effectiveness of developmental studies while shattering misconceptions surrounding the labels typically assigned these students, such as…

Thirty-four high-risk students at Essex Community College (Maryland) were evaluated on self-concept growth as shown through pre- and post-tests on the Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS), self-concept as shown through an open-ended questionnaire, and improvement in college grade point average (GPA), after working in a self goal-setting learning…

The impact of basic skill developmental programs on student success in career programs was investigated. Data collected from 61 two-year institutions provided the basis for selection of six survey sites. At each site, random samples of students in their initial enrollment in developmental programs, students previously enrolled in developmental…

The increased number of nontraditional students in Ohio and a growing awareness of their needs have led to the recognition that developmental programs attempt to improve attitudes and skills for their own merit and are not necessarily remedial preparation for other courses. First used in the 1890's to narrow educational differences between…