This research brief discusses the results of a study concerning the role of community colleges in providing remedial education. The study, conducted by the American Association of Community Colleges, examined institutional policies and practices found in community colleges, covering such issues as assessment of college-preparedness and placement, provision of contracted remedial courses to business and industry, computer use in remedial classes, and salient descriptions of the students and faculty involved in remedial education. An analysis of the responses shows that an average of 36 percent of students new to higher education in fall 1998 were enrolled in at least one remedial course. Results from this study indicate that institutional policies on remediation, for the most part, are mandated at the institutional level. The majority of institutions indicated that policies on mandatory assessment, credit offered for remedial courses, and cutoff scores for placement tests are set by the institutions. The majority of the institutions limited remedial class sizes, used technology in courses, and required mandatory assessment and placement of students in remedial courses--all of which have been identified through research studies as important factors in helping students prepare for college level courses. (JA)