Intervention with students having attention disorders must focus on specific identified needs. Sample behavioral and cognitive descriptors are listed to help teachers operationalize principles of diagnostic/prescriptive teaching and plan appropriate interventions. A variety of behavioral and academic interventions are briefly explained. (DB)

Argues that composition teachers should drop outmoded requirements that perpetuate the discourses of hierarchy and exclusion. Instead, they should articulate the study, practice, and teaching of writing; devise curricula in writing that aim at the achievement of critical public literacy; and abandon the institutional discourse of student need, the…

Describes the use of keyword mnemonics as an aid to vocabulary learning. Warns that the technique does not result in students' being able to use the word in discourse or thinking. Considers the appropriate use and limitations of the method and its application in a developmental reading class. (DMM)

Asserts that illiteracy is a major concern in today's information-centered society and business. States that industry has undertaken development of its own remedial programs but that costs have caused a reappraisal of these programs. Says that many programs now view compressed speech as a possible option. (PRA)

Recommends treating basic skills students as if they have innate knowledge, not an intellectual disease. Underscores inference as a key activity in critical thinking. Suggests strategies for improving students' inferential powers. Argues that the strategies can help students recognize their inferential ability and learn to use it in writing. (SG)

Critiques common metaphors used regarding writing centers. Argues that the "skills" metaphor suggests wrongly that students must learn basics before undertaking the larger writing process. Observes that the "remediation" image casts the instructor as clinician diagnosing students' language problems and restoring them to healthy…

Describes the development of LAND, an organization of liberal arts faculty and administrators at Michigan's community colleges, formed to engender closer interinstitutional ties. Highlights LAND's major conferences and other activities since its formation in 1985. (DMM)

This response to Bashir and Scavuzzo (EC 602 669) suggests that their view that dyslexia is a chronic, pervasive condition is too limiting. An alternative view of dyslexia as an acute, interactive condition is proposed, and related implications for instructional curricula and reading achievement are offered. (Author/ DB)

Mentoring as remediation of the at-risk student has received scant attention. Students most likely to benefit from mentoring are those who are passing half of their classes; those with behavior problems resulting in detention, not expulsion; and those receiving little family support. Higher risk kids need professional counseling. Both top-down and…

Eleven shortcomings of remedial reading programs are delaying the program; analyzing word identification skills; teaching phonic skills systematically; avoiding having students read; using controlled-vocabulary reading materials; disregarding student background knowledge; encouraging readers to sound out unfamiliar words; insisting upon accuracy…

A study of 23 University of Newcastle students who had taken bridging courses in English or math and 23 who had not found that bridging programs can enhance student performance, inculcate study habits, and improve confidence. (SK)

Investigates how social class affects the educational narratives of working-class students--both their initial access to four-year institutions and their ability to persevere until they obtain bachelor's degrees. Argues that a genuine concern with diversity should lead compositionists to question the selective functions of the academy and the role…

Describes the developmental studies program at Prince George's County Community College, a successful effort to improve retention rates and graduate students with high levels of academic competence. Stresses the importance of testing and remediation in reading, English, and mathematics; coordination with high schools; the learning community…

Explores the current research on the effectiveness of remedial courses. Defines remediation in relation to developmental education, discusses the purpose of such courses, and explores the circumstances under which remedial courses succeed or fail in the accomplishment of their goals. Asserts that all students who require remediation should expect…

The effects of strategy instruction (reciprocal teaching methods) on reading comprehension were studied by comparing 53 high school students receiving strategy instruction with 22 who did not. Results indicate that strategy instruction is superior to traditional methods in fostering reading comprehension as measured by experimenter designed tests.…