Reviews four types of student retention models identified in the literature (i.e., psychological, economic, organizational, and interactional). Describes and offers examples of four levels of developmental education programs, and identifies eight critical pedagogical components of developmental education. (DMM)

Argues that both personal and text-based essays should be used in teaching writing to students in developmental composition courses. Suggests that combining the two approaches and using short fiction or fictive autobiographies as course readings helps to initiate the student's transition from personal to text-based writing. (Contains 21…

Describes several models for the design, evaluation, and delivery of developmental programs, including the Expanded Individualized Prescriptive Instruction system (which includes placement, counseling, and intervention phases), and the Developmental Pyramid Model (which includes diagnosis, prescription, evaluation, and advising/tutoring). (DMM)

Argues against the diminishing emphasis on mathematics as a logic system. Examines some of the basic tenets of logic and argues that when mathematics students are shown how to use logic and reasoning rather than memorization, they are able to develop stronger critical thinking skills. (AUTH/NB)

Asks a number of questions concerning the delivery of multicultural education, including, "How do we define multiculturalism?" and, "Whose responsibility is it to provide equity in higher education?" Articulates 10 guiding principles for achieving equity in institutions of higher learning, and offers a brief discussion of these principles.…

Discusses the goal of assessment in developmental writing classes. Stresses the need for instructors to be aware of the impact of their comments on student progress. Asserts that, in developmental classes, students may lack a number of skills, but the instructor needs to emphasize what students can offer and encourage them to move beyond their…

Reviews the history and current status of developmental education. Discusses three historical phases: Pre-Open Admissions, Equality and Access, and Accountability eras. Presents results from a national survey of developmental reading programs, focusing on faculty, students, curriculum, and program links. Suggests planning strategies for the…

Describes a study of the effectiveness of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), high school graduation class percentile, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), as predictors of short- and long-term academic achievement among a sample of 58 high-risk college freshmen who participated in 1-year special studies program. (PAA)

Reviews studies on the whole-language approach of pairing reading and writing courses to enhance the learning in both. Describes a study of 154 students enrolled in basic writing. Results suggest that simultaneous enrollment in a reading class will not significantly influence ability to pass basic writing. (PAA)

Investigates whether aptitude/achievement subgroups of developmental college students differ in their reported use of self-regulated learning strategies, task value, and grade expectations. Reports that only low-achieving and low-aptitude students differed significantly from their peers, indicating that subgroups may have a greater need for…

Discusses the increasing number of legal challenges to high-stakes testing, which can potentially impact developmental education programs nationally. Analyzes challenges to the tests in four states, and suggests that the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) may lead to lawsuits if a child has not received an appropriate education. (Contains 15…

Argues that online instructors have a great impact on the quality of a student's online experience. Demonstrates through the author's personal experience as an online instructor that written communication skills are essential in an online classroom. (Contains seven references.) (NB)

Argues that supplemental instruction (SI) leaders may not always contribute to helpful instruction. Asserts that SI supervisors must train SI leaders about what is helpful and unhelpful for students. Suggests that more research be done to determine which practices are most helpful for students. Contains six references. (MZ)

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)

Supports the use of the applied linguistics technique of error analysis (i.e., charting and analyzing patterns in language errors) in developmental writing instruction. Argues that error enables teachers to diagnose the cognitive strategies and processes used by students in writing. Discusses teaching strategies and the approach's limitations.…