Compiled to assist advisors at Vincennes University (VU), a two-year college in Indiana, as well as high school counselors and prospective students, this book provides information on placement at VU and entry-level skills needed for success in specific programs, majors, or courses. A brief introduction describes the objectives of the skills guide…

In 1988, a study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College to explain declining scores on the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) since 1984. Specifically, the study sought to determine whether students had changed in terms of their basic skills at college entry, native language, needs for English as a Second Language instruction,…

This paper discusses the transfer ready concept and includes data demonstrating the accuracy and efficiency of the new transfer ready model, in contrast to the current Student-Right-to-Know model. It explains the process of calculating the percentage rates of transfer directed students (those enrolled in both transfer English and math in their…

Calls attention to the emphasis on the practical in the curricula of community colleges and its infusion into the liberal arts programs of many four-year schools. Even in the upper tiers of the academic system, the vocational vogue is encroaching on the traditional liberal education. (SLD)

At Oregon's Lane Community College (LCC), all full-time students and students enrolled in English Composition (WR121) are required to take a 35-item writing placement test. Students with test scores deemed "marginal" (i.e, those scoring between 20 and 24 points) are advised to take a preparatory course (WR120) before enrolling in WR121,…

A study of fall 1984 College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) examinees was undertaken at Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC) to examine the interrelationships among CLAST scores, the number of English courses taken, grades received, and basic skills in reading and writing prior to completion of the required English sequence. The study revealed…

This guidebook is designed primarily to give students the information they need in selecting a two-year college. It provides information about individual colleges and indexes to help students locate colleges with particular characteristics. The data in this guide were obtained directly from the colleges themselves and are updated annually.…

The effectiveness of developmental education policies at a comprehensive community college was investigated using a new student tracking system. A sample of 1,644 students were tracked from fall 1992 until the end of the fall 1994 semester, 1,226 of whom evidenced basic skills and were eligible for college-level courses, and 418 of whom were…

This paper reports on a survey that examined writing pedagogy and assessment across the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The survey attempted to identify "best practices" in writing pedagogy, the extent to which these practices are being implemented, characteristics of campuses implementing these practices, and whether…

In 1997, Coconino Community College (CCC) assessed its general education curriculum according to faculty curriculum preference and the dictate of the General Education course outlines. CCC first clarified the General Education Values Statement and the criteria for its general education courses and core curriculum. Data that defined general…

The quest for excellence in American higher education has been accompanied by the implementation of basic skills requirements and the corresponding assessment programs. Assessment results could provide feedback for curricular improvement, although they are frequently used as indicators of institutional quality. A study is presented that compared…

This Transfer Enhancement Plan was prepared by the Transfer Task Force from the City College of San Francisco (CCSF). The purpose of the plan is to improve the transfer success of all CCSF students. This report reviews current transfer structure, efforts, activities, and programs, and identifies successful transfer efforts that should be supported…

This publication presents three working papers on the inadequacies and difficulties of successful transition from high school to college. These papers are derived from The Bridge Project, a six-state study of K-16 issues. These three papers do not attempt to cover all aspects of K-16 and transition issues. Consequently, the policy implications at…