A discussion is provided of the distinguishing characteristics of developmental education. First, the reasons for the lack of a clear definition are discussed, and the consequences of this ambiguity are highlighted in terms of the existing confusion over the purposes of developmental education. Next, the linguistic and theoretical bases of…

This report provides important criteria for the effective teaching of community college English. The following suggestions are presented to instructors in order to facilitate optimal student learning in college English courses: (1) present content in a meaningful manner, with emphasis on clarifying relevant facts, concepts, and generalizations;…

Terry O'Banion discusses the history of the League for Innovation in the Community College, defines developmental and remedial education, presents several alternatives to the deficit model of developmental education, describes barriers to changing this model, highlights programs for improving self-concept, and identifies important faculty…

Identifies failings in the notions of cultural literacy espoused by Hirsch, Bloom, Bennett, and Ravitch. Discusses the dangers of reacculturation as an educational aim. Urges educators to consider the cultural adjustments they ask their students to make to succeed academically and the support students are given. (DMM)

The provision of counseling services, especially for community college students in need of developmental education, will continue to be a task of major importance in the coming decade. However, if counselors are to be effective in helping these students, they must select, implement, and mesh their strategies with other college personnel within a…

Suggests that both general and developmental education focus on such preparatory skills as communicating effectively and thinking critically. Describes current approaches combining general and developmental education. Explains the mechanics of cross-over teaching between the two domains. (PAA)

Since the developmental studies program at Amarillo College began in 1974, continuing efforts have been made to assess the characteristics, attitudes, motivations and goals of the high-risk students in the program, which was designed to build self-concept and improve reading, English, math and study skills. Over the three years of the study,…

A national study on Adult Functional Competency, conducted by the University of Texas, determined that less than one-half of the adult population (46%) was proficient in handling the demands of modern living. Educators have never done even an adequate job of educating the country's people. If the primary goal of the teaching profession is to…

Special Services for the Disadvantaged Students (SSDS) is a federally funded three-year college retention program initiated at a Texas community college. The program's objectives include improving reading and math levels, improving achievement of handicapped students, and increasing skills in English as a second language. To accomplish these…

Issues in defining and conceptualizing general education in the two-year college are examined in this collection of essays. After introductory remarks, B. Lamar Johnson reviews the findings of the 1952 California Study of General Education and discusses their current applicability. Next, K. Patricia Cross reviews trends in general education from…

Presents findings made by the Campus Retention Committee at Prince George's Community College in Maryland regarding the improvement of student persistence and achievement at the college. Recommends strengthening developmental course work, mathematics education, and student support programs. Includes eight data tables and 17 references. (JDI)