This paper summarizes several theories of developmental education and describes the use of techniques based on these theories in a competency-based freshman English program at Central State University, Ohio. The major goal of the program was to provide individualized instruction through laboratory work in communication and reading and to afford a situation in which communication between teacher and student and personal growth are possible. A more specific description of the reading and communication laboratories is appended; objectives, materials and techniques, and problems and plans for program improvement are discussed. (KS)