This brief report uses tables and narrative to summarize data on remedial education provided in higher education institutions, including the percentage of institutions offering remedial courses and the percentage of freshmen who enroll in these courses. The data indicate that: (1) the percentage of freshmen enrolled in remedial courses and the…

Mercy College (Ohio) has expanded its services for at-risk students, due to the fact that many of these students are not functioning at college level in writing, math, and reading. The hope of attaining a college education among at-risk students is high, and it is important that they receive help in their areas of need. To help accomplish this…

The roster of developmental programs available to students in community colleges is expanding, though remedial education itself does remain a marginal aspect of higher education. The programs are usually under-funded, segregated from "regular" offerings, and taught by part-timers. This report suggests that the colleges are sending signals that…

This is a qualitative study of four women receiving assistance through the Trade Readjustment Act (TRA) and who were enrolled in a developmental writing course. The TRA provides money to displaced workers for the purposes of retraining them to reenter the workforce. The four women in the study were nontraditional students and displaced garment…

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;…

This annual report summarizes progress on two aspects of Germanna Community College's (Virginia) Student Outcomes Assessment program: developmental education and transfer student success. The analysis of developmental education shows that a substantial proportion of students benefit from developmental coursework in writing and basic math. High…

This information capsule explores the effectiveness of score ranges on the Computerized Placement Test (CPT), used to assess the skills of entry-level students at Miami-Dade Community College and place first-time-in-college students in classes. Data are provided for students entering in Fall terms 1996 and 1997 showing the number of students…

In response to a District Student Services request, the Institutional Research Office of Miami-Dade Community College conducted a study of the new SLS intervention courses. The purpose of the research was to answer the following questions: 1) Did the SLS courses help in the retention of college preparatory students? 2) Did the SLS courses help…

Describes the Developing a Curriculum (DACUM) process which involved 10 panelists in a three-day seminar to define "developmental educators" and identify the competencies they need. Provides and lists eight uses for a chart which enumerates, in order of importance, eight competency areas and specific competencies within each area. (CAM)

Argues against community colleges' add-on responses to diverse student needs. Proposes restructuring the college to attain the open admissions goal, focusing on the teaching/learning process. Encourages institutional policies supporting program quality; improvement of student assessment skills; and use of a directive approach to student placement…

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)

Cites results of recent studies about deteriorating basic skills of community college students. Presents opposing views on developmental education by John Roueche (EJ 189 264) and Arthur Cohen (EJ 201 762). Argues in favor of providing for underprepared students through specialized, developmental "intensive care units" built around prescriptive…

Enumerates teaching strategies designed to promote high student retention in developmental courses, which: (1) help develop effective working relationships between student and teacher; (2) assure effective classroom management; (3) promote student involvement in the learning process; and (4) help the instructor recognize his/her own professional…

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…

Offers seven suggestions academic assistance professionals can adopt in order to evaluate strategic models, such as study strategy courses or paired courses. Reports that a 1997 study found that only 25% of four-year institutions complete ongoing and systematic evaluation of their academic assistance programs. (Contains 32 references.) (NB)