Improving the quality of learning is basic to raising academic standards. Research on postsecondary learning improvement has provided a base of practical knowledge to guide faculty and planners. Successful learning improvement programs share two essential characteristics: they are more comprehensive in the range of students' needs met, and they are better institutionalized into the academic mainstream. The four basic types of programs, in ascending order of effectiveness, are: (1) isolated remedial skills courses; (2) learning assistance to individual students; (3) course-related supplementary learning activities; and (4) comprehensive learning systems in academic courses. There are 26 critical variables for learning improvement related to goals and rationale, instructional methods and content, staff, and program evaluation. Obtaining an interdependence of learning improvement and instructional change is the purpose of the Decision Guide for Effective Programs. The Decision Guide offers greater control over educational processes and outcomes through more effective techniques of management, delivery, and evaluation. This document includes a four-item bibliography, and an order form for the full report upon which this summary is based and for a related research report, both available from the Association for Study of Higher Education. The Decision Guide is part of the full report. (DC)