Successful college instruction programs have two features that are associated with increased grade point averages and retention: (1) they are comprehensive and meet student needs, and (2) they are better institutionalized into the academic mainstream of the college or university. Several program characteristics are crucial to learning improvement,…

These two papers describe the City Colleges of Chicago's (CCC's) efforts to improve their developmental programs and services. First, a series of experimental programs designed to improve students' basic skills are outlined, including: (1) programs leading to a high school diploma and subsequent CCC enrollment offered by the Chicago Urban Skills…

A mandatory developmental education program at Vincennes University Junior College (Indiana) was evaluated, based on Roueche's standards for successful developmental programs. The college tests all incoming students whose scores on the American College Testing Program/Scholastic Aptitude Test suggest the need for remediation. Students who need…

This report details results of a Maryland statewide survey of remedial education at public colleges and universities for students enrolled in the 1994-95 academic year. The study included an examination of the number and type of students who required remediation, the policies and standards used to determine student placement, the success of…

This paper discusses the role of developmental or remedial education in higher education. Some students enroll in developmental courses because they are reentering college after many years out of a classroom. Others are recent high school graduates seeking better study skills and yet others are students lacking required course work from high…

Examines remedial/developmental education within a rapidly changing educational environment of advanced technology and new demands. Discusses rationale for different delivery models of remedial education. (28 citations) (YKH)

This report begins with a brief history of the City University of New York (CUNY), including the institution of its "Open Admissions Policy," and the end to free tuition. During the late 70's and early 80's, CUNY began to bring order to the chaos of remedial experiments brought on by open admissions. Assessment tests in reading, writing,…

Discusses core issues of remedial/developmental education, including state policies, cost, standards, effectiveness, and which sector of higher education should provide it. Describes characteristics of remediation students and provides policy recommendations. (27 citations) (YKH)

This analysis of postsecondary student preparedness and remedial education needs attending Florida community colleges focuses on two cohorts: 125,000 first-time-enrolled community college students enrolled in a community college over a three-semester period during 1993-94 and a cohort of over 18,000 public high school graduates (1994) enrolled in…

Learning improvement programs for underprepared postsecondary students are reviewed, and a Decision Guide for Effective Programs, which summarizes knowledge needed for decision making, is presented. Research data are analyzed to identify features of learning improvement programs associated with improved grade point average and retention.…