These two papers describe the City Colleges of Chicago's (CCC's) efforts to improve their developmental programs and services. First, a series of experimental programs designed to improve students' basic skills are outlined, including: (1) programs leading to a high school diploma and subsequent CCC enrollment offered by the Chicago Urban Skills Institute; (2) the provision of support services for students in regular courses who have reading scores within two grade levels of college program requirements; and (3) three separate special developmental programs for students reading below the 10th, 7th, and 4th grade levels. Following information on the CCC's computerized student records system and financial aid policies for students enrolled in developmental education programs, fall 1983 activities are specified and their continuation justified. These activities include a summer orientation, counseling, and assistance program; early intervention and advisement procedures; a mid-term evaluation system; and an academic warning system for students below the required minimum for academic progress. The second paper sets forth a revised set of guidelines for the 1983-84 academic year for CCC's developmental education program, which attempts to establish common program elements for developmental efforts during the period, direct data gathering activities, and identify problem areas that need correction. (HB)