Medical schools with a diverse student body face the challenge of ensuring that all students succeed academically. Many medical schools have implemented prematriculation programs to prepare students from diverse backgrounds; however, evidence on their impact is largely lacking. In this study, we analyzed participants' demographics as well as the…

The effectiveness of one remedial mathematics technique is examined. Results indicated that students who passed remedial math and then took college algebra had significantly higher final algebra grades than did undergraduates who failed remedial math. (MLW)

Study of Upward Bound programs, designed to help disadvantaged high school students attend and succeed in college, finds participants have higher educational expectations and college-preparatory achievement than do nonparticipants; Hispanic students and students with initially lower expectations benefit most; there is no impact on students' high…

Addresses the impact of Supplemental Instruction (SI) on students in a large urban university. Questions, specifically, what academic performance benefit is realized beyond the target course supported by SI, and whether SI participation strengthens the persistence patterns of particular student populations. Finds that SI has substantial impact on…

A study assessed the success of a University of Witwatersrand (South Africa) undergraduate bridging year in assisting underprepared business students to graduation. Subjects were 177 students from the country's black school system. Program participants had a statistically higher success rate in terms of both exam grades and graduation rate. (MSE)

Effects of a special remedial program at Glendale Community College were investigated to determine if there was any significant difference in college academic performance and persistence between students enrolled in the Developmental Studies program and those with similar reading and math characteristics who elected to enroll in other remedial…

A pilot program was begun at the University of Southern Mississippi to measure the effect of a concentrated period of linguistic and communication skill development at the beginning of college for high risk students. The experiment was designed to follow an experimental group drawn carefully from the 15% of college freshmen with the lowest scores…

These five serial issues focus on the outcomes of developmental education. Featured are the following articles: (1) "Developmental Instruction: What Really Makes a Difference?" by Hunter R. Boylan, which reviews several research-based models or theories of learning, including the Carroll model, the Bloom model, and the Bruner model, and discusses…

Using a developmental research model, this longitudinal study focused on the academic development throughout secondary education of participants in a Midwestern Upward Bound project. The study attempted to determine whether the participants collectively demonstrated significant gains in achievement as a direct result of involvement in Upward Bound…

The "open-door" policy, educational opportunity programs, and financial aid to high-risk students are implicit promises that the community college will provide successful learning experiences for all students. Within this framework of concerns and promises, the Milwaukee Area Technical College designed and offered a developmental program…

An evaluation of the TRIO/Special Services program at the University of Minnesota, General College, is presented. Descriptions are provided of program operations, services offered, the program participants, and student eligibility. Program effectiveness is also assessed in terms of student outcomes, and individual program services are examined as…

Examines and evaluates three approaches used by community colleges to provide academic assistance to educationally underprepared students: offering compensatory programs and services as electives; requiring certain students to participate in skills courses; and offering basic skills instruction as part of regular courses. (DMM)

A study of the effects of an academic support program for educationally disadvantaged, mostly Black engineering students found the interventions were effective in improving academic achievement, particularly when used early in the college experience. Implications for admissions, identification of potentially high-risk students, and intervention…

A study reported the status of approximately 2,900 participants in the student-support-services program for disadvantaged college students, and of 2,900 comparable nonparticipating students three years after college entry, looking at grades received, number of credits accumulated, and retention rates. The study also collected information on how…

GAIN (Getting Assistance in Nursing) is a federally-funded program designed to recruit and retain high-risk nursing students. One aspect of the GAIN program is a three-credit developmental course to prepare educationally and economically disadvantaged students for required nursing courses. The course, "Success in Nursing," consists of two…