As a supplement to the Los Rios Community College District Master Plan, this paper provides a model for student diagnosis within the district's instructional programs. The report first identifies three diagnostic areas: determination of the remedial instruction needed by students, identification of their preferred learning styles, and survey of…

The effectiveness of a basic skills program instituted in fall 1979 at the University of New Mexico is discussed. Freshmen falling below specified American College Testing program cut-off levels were placed in developmental courses that they had to complete successfully before being eligible to enroll in freshman classes in the area of their…

Explores three aspects of temporally displaced talk between mothers and children: (1) the role of the knowledge base in such talk; (2) the effect of mother talk on child talk; and (3) the impact of such talk on the child's knowledge base. Indicates that maternal speech can mediate information and experience and contribute to the child's world…

Discusses major issues facing the community college: the need to provide, along with open admission, adequate supportive services to ensure student success; the need for appropriate assessment of students' skills and careful placement in responsive educational programs; and the need to provide effective developmental education. Offers…

Describes a national survey of directors of occupational education at community colleges conducted to determine their perceptions of the importance of selected occupational education supportive services (e.g., open admissions, career/academic advising, financial aid, women's programs, remediation and developmental education, and placement). (LAL)

The following potential predictors of first quarter college grade point average were examined: student perception of their preparation for college work; attitudes toward the university and the developmental studies program: belief that developmental programs predict achievement; high schools grade point average; and Scholastic Aptitude Test…

Focusing on the debate over the need for and appropriateness of remedial/developmental programs in higher education, this volume addresses policy issues related to the provision of such programs and presents state, national, and case study data. The following nine chapters are provided: (1) "Who Should Provide Postsecondary Remedial/Developmental…

This report examines the need of many deaf and hard of hearing college freshmen for remediation in one or both of two areas, reading and writing in English and mathematics. It explores the kinds of assessments most commonly used in these areas, suggests modifications for testing basic instruction and remediation, and offers some programmatic…

This document is a final report on a two-year study involving nine community colleges, four disciplines and two special programs, 49 faculty, and 2,381 students in an exploration of the relationship between developmental courses and computer-based instruction. The report begins with an introduction, a description of students needing developmental…

A survey of 43 Texas community college libraries reveals that although 90 percent of these colleges have a developmental education program, less than 28 percent provide large number of library services to such programs, and particularly lack bilingual handbooks and special library instruction for developmental students. Twenty-two references are…

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)

Considers the increasing number of poorly prepared college students. Argues that conventional instruction, which stresses weaknesses, deteriorates students' self-image. Recommends focusing programs and teaching strategies on student individuality. Underscores the importance of rigorous preassessment and self-assessment of natural limitations.…

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…

Describes Laney College's Project Bridge, a basic skills program designed for underprepared community college students. Discusses the program's basic tenets (i.e., student-centered classrooms, the primacy of spoken language, and incorporation of minority group culture and international awareness). Considers the program's goals and organizational…

A basic writing course at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, serves students underprepared for first-year composition. The student population is culturally diverse, varying widely in ability and background. The course has evolved from a basic syllabus designed to teach writing skills to a more comprehensive, student-centered curriculum…