A study examined the growth in basic writing and grammar skills of 14 developmental English students. The study determined whether a traditional rule-based, form-centered mode of instruction, combined with a limited writing-process approach, had any significant impact on overall writing quality and grammar skills. It used a quantitative,…

Project AFFIRM (African-American First Investment Return Module) was established in the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District in California in fall 1989 to provide academic and personal support to increase the graduation and transfer rates of African-American students. Project AFFIRM seeks to build the self-esteem of African-American…

An evaluation was conducted of the Chance Program at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. The Chance Program is a postsecondary intervention program that addresses pronunciation, spelling, and reading comprehension deficits among learning-disabled students. In a quasi-experiment, test scores of college students (N=93) who participated in the Chance…

This paper focuses on the development and analysis of a survey designed to assess two aspects of motivation to read, specifically for adults enrolled in community college reading courses: self-perceived competence (self-concept) and valuing of the task (value). It also assesses developmental reading students' use of strategic reading behaviors.…

An analysis of research on the effectiveness of developmental education is presented in this report. Chapter I highlights different perspectives on the role of developmental education at the college level; examines definitions and discusses the mission of developmental education; and puts forward a methodology for measuring its effectiveness.…

Recent efforts to identify and meet the needs for remedial education in Florida's public community colleges and universities are described in this paper. First, a synthesis of the literature on remedial education yields the following recommendations: (1) skills training must be integrated into other college experiences; (2) cognitive skills…

NCES (1996) reported that almost one-third of all students entering colleges and universities are unprepared for college coursework and therefore required to enroll in developmental courses. This study focused on developmental and regular mathematics courses at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Using final mathematics grades from the…

Tutors' perceptions of their supervisor/leader in the Academic Skills/Learning Resources Center at Bowie State College were surveyed. Twenty tutors employed by the center through the Special Services for Disadvantaged Students project were administered the Leader Effectiveness and Adaptability Description questionnaire developed by Hersey and…

Seventy-four students from basic reading courses were surveyed to determine if the courses helped them with the reading and studying they had to do in other areas. In addition, 58 "regular" students were asked to assess their reading abilities and reading and study skills needs. Results indicated that most basic reading students were satisfied…

This collection of essays focuses on various aspects of research and instruction related to developmental education. The collection includes: (1) "Evaluating Instructional Software for Developmental Education," by Curtis Miles, which includes information on types of microcomputer software, developmental student characteristics,…

A guide to the opportunities at private colleges and universities in New York State through the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is presented. The HEOP is designed to meet the special needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds through screening, testing, counseling, tutoring, teaching, and financial assistance. Generally, students…

A study of student skill levels and remediation needs was conducted at Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC). The study involved: (1) a survey of the literature on the underprepared learner, basic skills, remedial and developmental education, learning skills centers, assessment and placement, attrition, faculty development, and program…

This booklet describes the history, rationale, and operations of Alvin Community College (ACC's) Developmental Education Program. Section I, first, outlines the college's commitment to the philosophy of developmental education; second, provides a history of developmental education at ACC, covering the adoption of an open-door policy, the…

Drawing from an extensive literature review and interviews with faculty and administrators in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), this study report examines successful practices in basic skills instruction in community colleges. After providing background on the importance of basic skills programs in light of the increasing number…

A master plan is proposed for developmental education at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. Introductory material discusses basic questions related to developmental education in the areas of access and mission, program and resources, and guidance and placement. This section also establishes the goal of the college's developmental education…