The recent focus on improving college completion rates has resulted in the paring down--or complete removal--of semester-long developmental education courses. Considering the magnitude these policies have on placement, teaching, and learning outcomes, this study examined faculty observations (N=420) about students' current and longitudinal college…

When students first enroll in college, they are required to demonstrate readiness for college-level work. Course placement depends on standardized assessments, and students who do not attain a satisfactory score are typically assigned to developmental (e.g. remedial) education courses. The theory behind this approach has been that remedial…

This report proposes that the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges take four actions regarding provisions for remedial education of skill deficient adults in California. First, background material indicates that the actions will have both immediate and long-range effects on the provision of remediation in the community colleges…

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)

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…

Questions and answers are presented concerning the consequences for higher education of the passage of the RAISE Bill (Senate Bill 357), a comprehensive education bill designed to raise educational standards in Florida. This statement by Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC) covers: (1) the bill and its provisions for higher education; (2) ways in…

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…

As part of a statewide study of postsecondary remedial programs and services in California, site visits were conducted at seven community colleges, four state universities, and three campuses of the University of California (UC). Interviews with at least five administrators and faculty members at each campus solicited opinions and perceptions…

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)

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.…

Major barriers to equal access of minority and disadvantaged students to higher education are considered in eight papers and five responses from the 1982 Wingspread Conference on Postsecondary Programs for the Disadvantaged. Included is a policy statement from the conference that covers: quality education for all, the interrelatedness of education…