Much of recent research in postsecondary developmental education leaves the distinct impression that most remedial courses in community colleges are unsuccessful in helping students and that they should be entirely overhauled. Legislators and administrators are now taking these recommendations very seriously and are ready to cut programs that are…

Learning assistance meets the demands of rigorous college courses through highly varied activities and approaches. The historic role of learning assistance in the larger scope of U.S. higher education is significant though sometimes low profile. Learning assistance bridges access for a more diverse student body. From students' perspectives, it…

Scholarship and persistence statistics for low-aptitude students in the developmental studies program include: (1) a comparison of the fall 1967 developmental students' grades with the grades for those remaining in spring 1968 and taking regular college classes; (2) the spring 1968 grades in each subject for these same students, and a comparison…

Presents a seven-step model for analyzing the impact of retention programs on students, using data from a Supplemental Instruction (SI) program to demonstrate how research is done. States that this model can generate data for reports on the impact of intervention and may be applied to any intervention program oriented toward retention and…

An analysis of research on the effectiveness of developmental education is presented in this report. Chapter I highlights different perspectives on the role of developmental education at the college level; examines definitions and discusses the mission of developmental education; and puts forward a methodology for measuring its effectiveness.…

A study investigated whether differences exist in the freshman-level course grades between the "high-risk" college freshmen enrolled in a linked-course developmental program and the other freshmen who were not required to participate in the developmental program. Subjects, 286 "non-developmental" freshmen and 71 freshmen…

Flow charts, tables, and lists are used to illustrate a program evaluation model to be used in evaluating compensatory studies in higher education. Student progress is followed along an identification/selection/admission chart, incorporating program goals and student need measurement. Measures of individual and collective student progress are…

The basic objective of this third research phase was to verify and further delineate factors that are constant and valid contributors to the success of postsecondary occupational students enrolled in developmental programs. Follow-up research on a longitudinal basis was conducted on nontraditional students at six New York colleges. Of…

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.…

Basic skills programs being implemented in New Jersey colleges are examined, and the statewide need for a centralized research and training institution that would inform, train, and provide technical assistance to college and secondary school educators and administrators involved with remedial and developmental instruction is proposed.…

This digest reviews the role of community colleges in delivering remedial education. With demand for remediation increasing, community colleges are under pressure to provide, with very limited financial resources, the bulk of developmental courses for students. In finding effective solutions to this dilemma, policy makers should consider a broad…