At the completion of the fall semester, 1979, a study was conducted at Essex County College to determine the status of the 182 students who had received an "R" grade in a basic communications skills course (COM-080) in fall, 1978. The "R" grade is given to students who have made progress in a developmental course, but who have not attained "C" level competency and are, therefore, required to repeat the course. Of the 182 students who received an "R" grade: (1) 48% repeated COM-080 the following semester; (2) 2% repeated it after dropping out for a semester; (3) 18% did not repeat the course, but instead took a course in English foundations (ENG-089); (4) 5% took a course in college composition (ENG-101); (5) 3% took an English as a second language (ESL) course; and (6) 5% took no English courses. Of the 88 students that re-enrolled in COM-080 during the winter 1979 semester, only 38% successfully completed the course, 30% received an "R" for the second time, 14% received an "F", and 16% withdrew. Of the students that enrolled in the more advanced English courses without faculty permission, only 15% successfully completed ENG-089 and 33% successfully completed ENG-101. All students enrolled in the ESL course successfully completed it. The implications of these findings are discussed in the study report as they relate to the question of retaining or discontinuing the "R" grade. (AYC)