Much of recent research in postsecondary developmental education leaves the distinct impression that most remedial courses in community colleges are unsuccessful in helping students and that they should be entirely overhauled. Legislators and administrators are now taking these recommendations very seriously and are ready to cut programs that are…

Dissatisfaction with student success has caused a crisis in developmental education. Critics from both inside and outside the field question whether remedial courses really prepare students for future college work or even if they are properly part of the college mission. In this article, we review research and present information that suggests…

Drawing on critical multicultural education scholarship, this article discusses an alternative assessment of academic support programs. It highlights the importance and value of supplementing traditional assessments with direct student participation. Through a discussion of data from a summer bridge program at a large research university, the…

Colleges are facing an increasing population of students who begin their college experience in developmental education classes in reading, math, and/or English. Many of these students are unsuccessful in attaining a degree, sometimes because they are deterred by their lack of preparation and the delay of two or more semesters before they begin…

Reports on the need for developmental education to prepare students for success in higher education. Looks at the performance of developmental students and their characteristics. Describes the role community and technical colleges play as providers of developmental education, characteristics of a successful developmental program, and ways to…

Discusses criticisms of remedial courses and counters some with evidence from research. Describes the traditional approach to remedial-course delivery and explores alternatives, such as freshman seminars, supplemental instruction, paired courses, and critical-thinking instruction. Calls for a systematic relationship between assessment, advising,…

Addresses the impact of Supplemental Instruction (SI) on students in a large urban university. Questions, specifically, what academic performance benefit is realized beyond the target course supported by SI, and whether SI participation strengthens the persistence patterns of particular student populations. Finds that SI has substantial impact on…

Describes a national study to determine the relationship between seven service components and student success and retention in developmental education programs. Reports that centralized program organization, mandatory assessment and placement, tutoring with tutor training, and systematic program evaluation were most closely related to student…

Describes a study to determine the effect of package courses, (i.e., linked content and skills courses) on the educational outcomes of first-year developmental students. Finds that the experimental group had a higher mean grade point average than the control group, but only for the term of the course. (24 citations) (AJL)

Discusses the Gateway Program at New Jersey's Rutgers University, in which departments administer their own developmental classes. Describes reasons for the program's success, including small class sizes, providing students with gradual increases in autonomy, frequent assessment and feedback, and teaching strategies that require participation.…

Reports findings on the continued positive effect of remedial/developmental programs on both retention and academic performance of skills deficient students who entered both public and private higher education institutions in New Jersey. (Author/DMM)

Describes the following aspects of the Developmental Education Program at Triton College: student placement, courses, faculty selection, reading and writing instruction, mathematics instruction, the Learning Assistance Center (LAC), LAC tutoring, LAC special projects, LAC management, special needs assistance program for disabled students, and…

Provides an annotated bibliography of 13 publications, released between 1960 and 1983, which have had a major influence on the field of developmental education. (AYC)

Reviews arguments for and against the continuation of remedial programs in postsecondary education. Highlights examples of successful remedial programs, offering evidence of positive outcomes in reduced attrition and increased preparation for college-level work. (DMM)

Describes Johnson County Community College's Learning Strategies Program, which teaches students how to learn and to use self-instruction to become independent learners. Reports on program development and implementation; the effects of strategies instruction on grades, study skills, learner satisfaction, and course completion; and plans for…