Describes the following aspects of the Developmental Education Program at Triton College: student placement, courses, faculty selection, reading and writing instruction, mathematics instruction, the Learning Assistance Center (LAC), LAC tutoring, LAC special projects, LAC management, special needs assistance program for disabled students, and…

An information systems approach to instruction to reduce freshman attrition at Morehead State University is described. The diagnostic-prescriptive approach to alleviate the cause and effect of developmental lag has provided an educational plan to ameliorate the low academic functioning of students and increase their intellectual development. (MLW)

Describes the developmental education program at Southeastern Louisiana State University and explains how it meets the needs of students who enter the university with inadequate academic preparation. Reports on a study that examined the students' self-concepts, attitudes toward reading, and learning styles. (FL)

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Vocational and Adult Education asked CNA Corporation (CNAC) and its partners to identify promising strategies within community colleges, businesses, organized labor, and the military that enable adult learners to improve their math skills and transition to higher level math courses or jobs requiring…

Over the past decade, preschool initiatives, reading reform, and class size reduction efforts have helped focus attention on improving education at the elementary school level. Policy attention has also been paid to middle schools as educators have tried to figure out how best to reach students who are no longer children, but not yet adults.…

A survey of (N=423) community colleges showed 44 percent had human development/human relations classes. Results found a strong impact on improving self-concept, and modest impact associated with increasing retention and student employability. Little improvement of opportunity for student input into curriculum development was noted. (JAC)

Applications to law schools have slipped steadily since 1990-91, and current applicants have a 70% chance of admission. Faculty are seeing more students with mediocre skills in writing and analysis. Institutions are providing more academic support, and some are cutting enrollments. However, law schools often are a prime income source for their…

A study examined differences in the responses to student profile questions on a standardized college entrance test among high school students who took the test in April 1985 as juniors and in October 1985 as seniors. The responses appear to be stable, with some exceptions. (MSE)

Describes the rationale for and outcomes of La Guardia Community College's Critical Thinking Program. Considers the relationship of critical thinking to writing and reading. Evaluates the program's impact on students' reading, writing, and speaking skills; higher-order reasoning/problem-solving abilities; and critical attitudes toward their lives…

Programs designed to enable Australian aborigines who had not successfully completed high school to qualify for science- and mathematics-related courses in higher education emphasize diagnostic testing, individualized instruction, short-term goals, and learner independence. Tutors have instructional, management, and support roles. Some early…

Santa Fe Community College (Florida) has used computerized adaptive testing with students placed in developmental reading, writing, and mathematics courses. Computerized adaptive testing utilizes the capabilities of microcomputers to adapt examinations to the abilities of individual students, may be less threatening to students, is preferred by…

Describes how two Queensborough Community College reading faculty staged a debate for developmental students to illustrate the connections between reading, writing, and critical thinking; and to encourage students to critically question and evaluate what they read and hear. Details follow-up writing and group assignments, including a student…

Discusses new technologies, applications, and computer software programs available for use in the instruction of developmental writing programs. Describes programs that function as multimedia writing "coaches" and model the writing process, collaborative writing tools that stimulate written conversations, and grammar and bibliographic tutors. (SJL)

A program to mesh the skills of counselors and tutors was implemented in an educational-opportunity program designed to serve underprepared and economically disadvantaged students at a New York four-year college in the late 1980s. The model's success resulted in additional private funding at the original site and incorporation of the model into…

Examines the literature regarding the cost of delivering postsecondary remedial education. Describes five studies that offer statewide and national estimates of such costs. Offers insight into the limited amount of research available on the topic, the considerable difficulties involved in collecting information, and the opposing philosophies and…