These five serial issues focus on the outcomes of developmental education. Featured are the following articles: (1) "Developmental Instruction: What Really Makes a Difference?" by Hunter R. Boylan, which reviews several research-based models or theories of learning, including the Carroll model, the Bloom model, and the Bruner model, and discusses the components of effective instruction, including clarity of objectives, emphasis on mastery, accommodation to learning styles, time on task, feedback for learning, and prerequisite skills; (2) "The Effects of a Skills Versus Discussion Approach on Reading and Thinking," by Joan Bartlett, which compares the effectiveness of the two instructional approaches on reading comprehension; (3) "The Effectiveness of Developmental Education Programs," by Boylan, which reviews recent studies of the effects of developmental education on students' grade point averages, retention rates, gain scores, and other factors; and (4) "Facts, Figures, and Guesses about Developmental Education Programs, Personnel, and Participation," by Boylan, which reviews the few existing statistics on developmental education, including the number of faculty involved, and the number of students participating. (DJD)