Asera assesses the challenges that community colleges face in educating students in basic skills. For a significant group of college students the seemingly automatic skills of literacy and numeracy have become opaque, creating a particular challenge for community colleges, 98 percent of which offer at least one remedial reading, writing or…

Research findings on college instruction and basic skills deficiencies are discussed in 12 papers from the first Regional Conference on University Teaching. Titles and authors are as follows: "Basic Skills: Dealing with Deficiencies" (Susanne D. Roueche, with responses by Gary B. Donart, Betty Harris, and James Nordyke); "Is Higher Education an…

Issues in community college basic skills instruction are reviewed and two model programs are outlined in this paper. First, concerns about student illiteracy, lack of academic preparation, and failure to complete courses are discussed, and public demands for educational accountability are examined. Next, the relationship between the "open…

The objectives and skills promoted by college general education studies are considered, including objectives identified by President Truman's Commission on Higher Education and by a task force of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Purposes of the general education program are to: develop skills to complete college and…

In light of substantial declines in enrollments in liberal arts mathematics courses in two-year colleges, this paper looks at some of the reasons for these declines and suggests ways of revitalizing the traditional "great ideas" mathematics course. First, a brief outline is presented of the history of liberal arts mathematics, focusing on the…

Comprehensive programs to enable students to acquire skills necessary for college work are discussed. It is suggested that developmental courses be supplements to regular academic courses. In starting a new developmental program, three factors are important: commitment of the school's faculty and administration to the program's success, adequate…

The goal is to make some suggestions that may be useful to teachers in meeting the mathematics needs of the noncollege-bound student. It is felt teachers can motivate pupils with problems that are relevant and practical. Further, teachers need to approach mathematics from a realistic point of view. (MP)

It is noted that too many students who go to college today are poorly prepared for college mathematics. It is believed that any student who goes to college without a minimum of two years of algebra and one of geometry will be at a serious, possibly insurmountable, disadvantage. (MP)

Argues against the diminishing emphasis on mathematics as a logic system. Examines some of the basic tenets of logic and argues that when mathematics students are shown how to use logic and reasoning rather than memorization, they are able to develop stronger critical thinking skills. (AUTH/NB)

This paper examines remedial programs in colleges and discusses the relationship of those programs to diagnostic testing. The Basic Skills Placement Test (BSPT) is required of all College freshman in New Jersey public colleges. Mercer County Community College, used as an example throughout this paper, uses the BSPT as a basis for placing students…

The conference papers included in this collection address issues of concern to literacy development in the community college. "Functional Literacy and Persistence in the Community College," by Dorothy M. Knoell, raises questions about student persistence in the absence of requisite skills. "Training Perspective on Functional…

These joint statements by the Academic Senates of the California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California address the concern that students are underprepared for college-level work. First, "Statement on Competencies in English and Mathematics Expected of Entering Freshmen," which was prepared…

This packet contains the four quarterly newsletters published by the Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit in England in 1988. The Winter issue contains the following articles: "Staff Accreditation"; "Afraid to Fail"; "Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Libraries: Potentials Realised"; and "Literacy Work with Local Employers." The Spring issue…

This paper outlines Florida's efforts toward improving its present educational system through increased emphasis on essential learning outcomes. After an introductory section, which notes some of the legislative steps and planning activities undertaken in support of this goal, the paper outlines six conditions that Florida's postsecondary…

This paper provides an overview of the issues and challenges facing postsecondary education in workforce development in the states. Key questions of employer, learner, and government and public expectations are listed as a suggested starting point for discussions between state, education, and business leaders about strategies for addressing these…