One problem raised by minimum competency testing is the search for effective means of remediating the learning problems of students failing the competency exams. Local school districts must rely on currently existing programs, particularly ESEA Title I programs, which have been shown to have had a limited impact on student progress in the past.…

Remedial education is contrary to traditional educational principles, for it operates only after a child has failed. Instead failure should be prevented by developmental, individualized instruction. Furthermore, remedial education isolates and emphasizes skill deficits and may lead to teaching for the test. (Author/SJL)

Considers the problems associated with selective admissions into transfer curriculums and the development of broad-scale remedial programs. Urges the teaching of functional literacy in transfer programs, and examines areas where research is needed in order to achieve this goal. (AYC)

Focused on the relationship between attentional problems and learning disorders, the paper contains a brief review of background theory and evidence, and proposes an analysis of attentional problems which takes into account three partially independent but interactive aspects of attention: coming to attention, decision making, and maintaining…

Investigated with 12 preschool children were whether IQ scores are a predictive indicator of potential learning disability and whether nonprofessional volunteers can remediate possible motor, perceptual, or verbal deficiencies with a concomitant increase in IQ score. (DB)

This article offers specific strategies to diagnose and remediate difficulties students may have in learning multiplication facts. Analyzes strategies students use to go from a known fact to an unknown fact. The point is made that, for many students, the order of interpretation of a number fact may affect accuracy. (DB)

Discusses the Gateway Program at New Jersey's Rutgers University, in which departments administer their own developmental classes. Describes reasons for the program's success, including small class sizes, providing students with gradual increases in autonomy, frequent assessment and feedback, and teaching strategies that require participation.…

Discusses research on the role of audience awareness in writing and human cognition, arguing that developmental writers exhibit egocentric tendencies and assume that the readers do not need elaboration or transitions. Describes four subskills of audience awareness: clear execution, adequate content, perspective differentiation, and role taking.…

Describes an approach for using portfolio evaluations with developmental students. Indicates that it includes a system for analyzing and practicing five areas of writing: form, function, authorial attitude, method of development, and point of view. Reviews benefits of the approach and provides charts of portfolio activities. (AJL)

Investigates using comprehension monitoring as a technique for problem solving by students in three different sections of developmental algebra. Concludes that students who receive increased emphasis in the use of comprehension monitoring strategies perform better than those who do not receive the training. (Contains 16 references.) (NB)

Describes seven features of effective summer schools from recent Southern Regional Education Board report with examples of state legislation in support of each of these features. For example, summer school should be an integral part of a year-round program of extra time and extra help. Includes description of relevant Kentucky, California,…

Cites recent publications about developmental education. Offers annotated references to nine reports, studies, and briefs that cover issues ranging from the academic success of remedial students to the effectiveness of institutions' remedial programs. (NB)

Considers how various strategies can be employed to design a student-centered conference environment that helps developmental students find a place in the academic community. Presents suggestions that are geared toward regular daily class sessions that make the instructor an important part of the writing process. Presents 25 strategies…

Describes some steps school districts can take to meet student achievement standards of the No Child Left Behind Act. Includes using the "Bully Pulpit," employing standards to reshape instruction, providing a rigorous curriculum aligned with standards, providing extra instruction for students who need it, and assigning the better…

This article presents results of a meta-analysis of 58 studies of mathematics intervention for elementary students with special needs. Studies in preparatory mathematics, basic skills, and problem solving were reviewed. Duration and method of instruction proved important. Direct instruction and self-instruction were more effective than mediated…