Tacoma Community College (TCC) is a comprehensive institution serving 7,000 students per quarter out of the 200,000 residents of Tacoma-Pierce County. Statistics show that 20% of the student population have not graduated from high school; 21% are from minority groups; and an estimated 60% are academically, educationally, or socially disadvantaged. In keeping with its mission to help all students achieve academic success, TCC has developed a four-level curriculum: Level 0 provides basic education through non-credit classes at 1st through 5th grade levels; Level 1 offers basic skills instruction at 6th through 8th grade levels; Level 2 comprises high school completion, college preparatory, and enrichment classes at 9th through 12th grade levels; and Level 3 consists of university-parallel courses at the 13th grade level and upwards. Developmental education, including adult basic education, high school completion, college preparatory courses, and learning assistance services, is provided through a cooperative effort among all departments and divisions. Students are placed at appropriate levels on the basis of placement tests when they enter college and on the recommendation of instructors after their initial quarter. This recommendation system has improved retention and success, as indicated by the success rates of students who followed instructor recommendations (75%) compared to those of students who did not (35%). An appendix provides self-assessment and course selection instruments. (HB)