Many students begin higher education unprepared for college-level work in mathematics and must take non-credit developmental courses. Furthermore, many are "math-phobic" and avoid courses, majors and careers that involve quantitative work. Yet science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are among the few job-growth…

Less than 100 years ago, only 16.8 percent of all 17-year olds in the U.S. had graduated from high school. At the same time, less than 5 percent of those 18-24 years old was enrolled in higher education. The K-12 and higher education systems rapidly expanded over the next century to accommodate larger and larger portions of the population, but…

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English and math were finalized in 2010 and, as of July 2012, have been adopted in full by 45 states. These standards provide a framework that is intended to ensure that all students who graduate from high school in the United States have attained the knowledge and competencies that prepare them well for…

While tax revenues in many Western states have improved since FY 2011, the 2012 legislative sessions still experienced what has become the familiar round of funding cuts to higher education, coupled with tuition increases for students. The good news is that the cuts and increases weren't as severe as in previous years, despite continued aversion…

Higher education authorities are embracing the latest movement in education known as "P-16." Its proponents argue that colleges have operated too long as a separate realm from America's public schools. As a result, many high school graduates are not properly prepared for college, despite the unrelenting national push in public schools for rigorous…

A developmental studies program which is integrated into the total curriculum of the institution and which assists in integrating its students into the mainstream of its student population is an appropriate long long-term response to pressures engendered by the equal access/academic standards dilemma. (Author)

Educators and politicians are debating the role of remedial education in four-year colleges, questioning current policy of correcting high school education deficits in college. Some advocate remedial courses only in community colleges and tightening entrance requirements for four-year institutions. Proposals are under consideration in a number of…

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,…

The impact of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' new criteria for developmental studies is addressed. The criteria have implications for new standards for high school graduation and college admission. Since the existence of developmental studies programs is contingent upon standards of college admission, teacher training will, in…

This report examines the need for and status of remedial education at colleges in the 15 member states of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). It notes that too many (one of every three) entering college students currently take at least one remedial course and suggests that this number could be reduced if high school students planning to…

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…

Applications to law schools have slipped steadily since 1990-91, and current applicants have a 70% chance of admission. Faculty are seeing more students with mediocre skills in writing and analysis. Institutions are providing more academic support, and some are cutting enrollments. However, law schools often are a prime income source for their…

Three common policies used by English departments in Kuwait universities to accommodate the students in appropriate course types and levels are discussed and compared from a practical perspective. The three policies are concerned with placement tests and remedial courses and are intended to: (1) place students with high scores on the standardized…

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…