Describes several strategies, all based on letters written between teacher and students, that build a sense of community and collaboration in college developmental reading and writing classes, helping students to see themselves as active learners and thinkers. (SR)

Argues that access to technology can be defined in two ways: (1) what students don't have--the digital divide runs along ethnicity and income lines; and (2) what is available, such as assistive technology for those with cognitive or physical disabilities. Speculates on the future of accessibility. (Contains 25 references.) (AUTH/NB)

Assesses Supplemental Instruction (SI), a voluntary academic assistance program aimed at improving at-risk student performance through small-group work. Analyzes data collected from a political science class supported by SI. Reports that SI has a positive short- and long-term impact on conditional students, and no impact on traditional students.…

Arthur M. Cohen responds to questions concerning the issue of excellence vs. access; the importance of the liberal arts as an enculturating device; cultural literacy; general education; strengthening of the associate in arts degree; the remedial function of community colleges; the evolution of developmental studies as a discipline; and outcomes…

A study investigated study habits of 154 educationally disadvantaged engineering students enrolled in developmental studies programs in 3 South African universities. Aspects examined include entry skills, study patterns throughout the first year, and characteristics of students whose study habits changed over time. Implications for admission and…

Suggests that both general and developmental education focus on such preparatory skills as communicating effectively and thinking critically. Describes current approaches combining general and developmental education. Explains the mechanics of cross-over teaching between the two domains. (PAA)

Describes a program adding a counseling component to a developmental writing course to address students' sense of isolation through sessions on group formation, goal setting, values clarification, and strength identification. Reports that program participants outperformed nonremedial students in subsequent composition courses. (PAA)

A study of community colleges found that they achieve high levels of participation from underrepresented groups and provide return-to-learning opportunities. However, many developmental studies students drop out. Retention improves when curriculum includes student experience and the educational culture appears to value students. (SK)

Asserts that the arts offer students in developmental education new ways to acquire creative and critical skills that are essential for becoming self-directed learners. States that the arts offer alternative forms of literacy and ways to construct meaning and sensitize students to other cultures. Contains 19 references. (VWC)

Analyzes the adjustments and changes that have evolved from the inception of a pilot portfolio program through the fifth semester of its implementation in a developmental English class. The program allows for authentic, performance-based assessment and challenges students to assume more control of their writing. Asserts that the final portfolio…

Investigates the impact of developmental coursework on student retention and grade point average. Describes a six-year longitudinal study of 625 students who tested into developmental courses in English, mathematics, and reading. Results indicated that developmental students can succeed in a community college setting, particularly if they take…

Reports on study designed to determine students' and instructors' comfort with asking for and providing accommodations for community college students with learning disabilities. Finds that students and faculty indicated neutral levels of comfort, but that further analyses of responses showed wide variability in the types of accommodations with…

Describes the High School Cooperative Agreement program, a partnership between Southeastern Louisiana University and area schools that seeks to reduce the number of students needing developmental mathematics and English courses by giving seniors the opportunity of satisfying the requirement while they are still in high school. The pilot program,…

Summarizes the literature on developmental reading and writing programs by discussing strategies for addressing remedial needs and obstacles to remediation. Presents the results of internal evaluations of developmental reading programs conducted at four colleges. Defines 16 strategies used by community colleges to implement effective remedial…

Compares the self-reported study behaviors of developmental students to those of regular admission students. The virtually identical self-reported study skills between the groups may be an artifact of using a Likert study skill measure. Discusses the rationale and evidence from other studies that substantiate the threat to validity posed by using…