Describes a pilot study conducted in Champaign, Illinois, to deal with the misclassification of minority students labelled educable mentally handicapped (EMH). Discusses reevaluation and the declassification process, including placement in regular classes, teacher training, and the development and implementation of transition programs. (MJL)

Suggests that the verbal score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test is not an adequate criterion for assigning students to remedial communication instruction. Concludes that the communication skills deficit model demonstrates the capacity for consistent measurement of communication skills if evaluators are trained to use the same decision-making…

Since enrollment in higher education institutions has declined among capable students, emphasis is on student retention. Characteristics of high risk students are being examined, and individualized and remedial programs are being developed. A model is described which takes a systems approach to individualizing the academic program and diagnosing…

The Michael's Group Remediation System was utilized in teaching a course dealing with the optics of the eye. The system features instructor pacing, written study objectives and content materials, weekly quizzes, and remediation. This mode of presentation was judged by instructor and students as being extremely successful. (Author/JMD)

At Texas A&M University, a diagnostic pretesting system has been developed for use in the Freshman Biology Program. The system provides a profile of student competency levels for students, instructors, and the course coordinator that indicates where the curriculum of methods needs to be altered, and identifies students who need remedial help.…

Discusses the evolution of the reading and study skills program at one metropolitan open admissions two-year college, including the nature and reasons for the changes that have taken place in the program. Concludes that flexible reading programs can significantly assist students in all areas of academic study. (FL)

Reviews three studies exploring the effectiveness of computers and parent volunteers for remedial language skills training in young children with Down's syndrome and severe language, learning, and behavioral disabilities. The results suggest that computer-based intervention is useful. Discusses educational considerations for planning and includes…

Discusses the importance of mathematical skills in the workplace and the relationship between math anxiety and course completion rates. Describes a study evaluating the effectiveness of integrating motivational techniques and assessment practices into a developmental math course at a Texas university. Finds that the techniques enhanced student…

Suggests that traditional remedial teaching methods such as drill and practice activities are not challenging, and that incorporating alternative teaching strategies such as critical dialogue and higher order thinking skills (HOTS) into the classroom fosters self-esteem, creates enthusiasm for learning, raises test scores, and alters brain…

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)

A study examining the effects of alternative school calendars surveyed 254 principals and teachers from predominantly rural schools in Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee. Results revealed strong support for a calendar that rescheduled rather than added school days and that reduced summer vacation. Advantages included academic improvement, extra…

The Texas Academic Skills Program, a basic-skills test that all entering freshmen must pass before they can enroll in upper-level courses, is discussed. Those who fail it will be required to take non-credit remedial courses and to retake the test until they pass it. (MLW)

Teacher-directed versus student-oriented remediation methods in high school physics classes in Nigeria were compared using 121 fifth-form students. Formative, achievement, and intelligence tests were administered. Teacher-directed remediation treatment enhanced learning and was more effective than was a student-oriented method. (TJH)

Presents a theoretical rationale for the idea that computer programs simulating written conversation, and using natural language, could be effective in language teaching and remediation, and reports empirical studies of its potential. Studies with 10- to 14-year-old language-impaired children are described, software is explained, and future…

This article proposes a new approach to teaching English as a Second Language, based on five "uncommonsense" premises, among them encouraging genuine interchange with native speakers and teaching students how to learn and cope in an academic environment. (10 references) (KM)