Successful performance in mathematics rests not only on general skills but also on general attitudes and traits such as perseverance, self-confidence, willingness to try out a hunch, and appreciation for exactness. (MM)

Describes the Passaic County Community College Academic Foundations Program which: (1) conducts student assessment; (2) provides academic and basic skills training through the Program's learning center; (3) integrates the teaching of thinking skills with instruction in writing, reading, and mathematics; and (4) established high academic standards…

In the 1993-94 academic year, the Liberal Studies Division at South Seattle Community College conducted surveys of all Division faculty, students in random classes, and 150 former students who had transferred to the University of Washington (UW) to determine their perceptions regarding students' basic skills levels, students' critical thinking…

This report represents a synthesis of existing data on the basic skills of vocational students. An introduction provides background information, lists objectives, and describes the framework and methodology for the literature review and acquisition and analysis of four data bases: National Assessment of Education Progress, Supplemental…

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…

Offered within the context of proposed legislation affecting matriculation and assessment in California's community colleges, this report analyzes current assessment practices and basic skills programs in the Kern Community College District (KCCD) and offers options and recommendations for improvement. Chapter 1 provides an introductory discussion…

University mathematics education courses do not always provide the opportunity to make connections between advanced topics and the mathematics taught in middle school or high school. Activities like the ones described in this article invite such connections. Analyzing concrete or particular examples provides a better grasp of abstract concepts.…

The six articles in this issue tackle topics that relate to the role and function of numeracy in adult life. "Reading Comprehension in Written Mathematics Problems" (Sue Wareham) examines the levels of reading ability required of numeracy students and offers strategies to help students with limited reading skills. "Can Ordinary…

In fall 1978, Sacramento City College initiated the Higher Education Learning Package (HELP) to promote the success and retention of students with basic skill deficiencies while mainstreaming them into regular courses. Students work with instructors and tutors in small groups and on a one-to-one basis. Using an integrative team teaching approach,…

This report offers details of the results of basic skills testing of the entering freshman class in New Jersey's public colleges. Levels of proficiency in verbal skills, computation, and elementary algebra are estimated from performance on the New Jersey College Basic Skills Placement Test. For the 48,568 students tested in the fall of 1990, 24%…

This report offers details of the results of basic skills testing of the entering freshman class in New Jersey's public colleges. Levels of proficiency in verbal skills, computation, and elementary algebra are estimated from performance on the New Jersey College Basic Skills Placement Test. For the 48,791 students tested in the fall of 1989, 24%…

One of our nation's educational triumphs is that admission to college has been brought within the reach of a majority of our high school graduates. Yet inadequate preparation often deprives students of this opportunity. Their stunted hopes are a major reason for growing naitonal concern about the quality of education in our schools. The College…

One of four reports describing the basic skills programs in writing, reading, English as a second language (ESL), and mathematics at the City University of New York (CUNY), this volume describes the ESL program designed for students who do not meet CUNY's standards for minimum competency in writing and reading or higher standards set by the…

Bucks County Community College's Department of Basic Studies is a comprehensive developmental education program which involves work for credit in basic academic skills--reading and study skills, writing and mathematics. In addition, special counseling is given to students in order to change negative habits and attitudes, and to develop a more…

In Florida, community colleges are required to report their entry-level basic skills testing results to the public school system in their service area. Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC) has been reporting that approximately 60% of Dade County Public School (DCPS) graduates cannot pass basic skills tests in math, writing, and reading. DCPS has…