Reading and understanding texts of all kinds form a basic competence for participating in social and cultural life and for being successful on a job. Although most European adolescents have adequate reading competences at their disposal by the end of school, about a quarter of them cannot meet the minimal standards. The urgency of this societal…

The need at the community college level for the development of new styles or modes of education that are consistent with the uniqueness of the individual student and will help him realize his human potential is discussed. Such styles or modes are based upon an educational theory called confluent education. The Semester for Self-Directed Study is a…