Argues that few students learn to think well within the disciplines and domains of knowledge and experience. Offers 18 ideas for students to utilize in order to become better critical thinkers and learners, including: (1) becoming an active learner; (2) becoming a questioner; and (3) looking for interconnections. First in a series of articles.…

Offers a rationale for assessing entering students writing skills. Argues that locally developed writing skills tests are more valid than commercial tests. Suggests that teachers draw on their own experiences when constructing tests, develop holistic scoring guides, and involve a broad range of educators, parents, and students in scoring the…

Discusses the purposes and goals of mathematics assessment, the features of locally developed versus standardized tests, the validation of assessment tests, the decisions made from test scores, and the fair preparation of students. (DMM)

Three programs at Tulsa Junior College respond to labor force needs: (1) Aviation Education Alliance, an articulated program among universities, two-year colleges, and vocational schools; (2) International Language Center, teaching languages specific to the needs of client companies; and (3) Tulsa Training Center, focusing on workplace literacy…

A framework for industry-based training in community colleges consists of nine models: three program types (standardized, personalized, and customized) that each teach three types of skills (general, generic occupational, and job specific). Administrative considerations include funding, academic credit, course location, evaluation, and liaison.…

A survey of 354 instructors (196 responses) of advanced technology programs in Illinois community colleges found that instructors believe that strong academic skills are essential for future workers. Their highest ranked instructional priority was the enhancement of students' thinking skills. (Author/JOW)

Defines critical academic skills that should be the hallmark of Kansas community college graduates, in anticipation of a legislative mandate for a common accountability measurement system. Presents five key critical competencies: oral and written communication skills, interpersonal and team skills, critical thinking and complex problem-solving…

Discusses the meaning and extent of developmental education in community colleges and higher education. Presents some current controversies, examines outcomes-related data, and addresses issue of faculty training in the field. (Contains 57 references.) (AUTH/NB)

This publication contains the reports for six Iowa Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) pilot projects conducted at the following community colleges: Northeast Iowa Community College, Eastern Iowa Community College, Kirkwood Community College, Western Iowa Tech Community College, Indian Hills Community College, and Southeastern…

In an effort to help basic skills students learn the skills they need to survive in college-level studies and remediate critical areas as quickly as possible, many community colleges have overlooked the value of other studies and the more general literacy that is essential to any education. By rushing to comply with students' utilitarian goals,…

This article highlights lessons from the experience of running a workshop that provides basic education. It focuses on the workshop that has been run for four years at Wakefield District College in England to support individuals from the community or students in college courses who need help with basic skills. The flexibility allowed by the…

A review is provided of "Literacy in the Open-Access College," by Richardson, Fisk, and Okum, from the perspective of community college practitioners involved in curriculum reform. First, introductory information is presented about "Literacy in the Open-Access College," an analysis based on a 3-year ethnographic study of a…

This paper describes the development of a program to teach reading and learning skills at the Kansas City, Kansas Community College, which was designed to decrease academic failure in vocational education programs. Primary goals of the program were to develop a screening test to identify students in need of assistance, before academic problems…

Describes college level courses in basic concepts designed for the basic skills student. (MKM)

Based on a review of research and literature on student academic performance, provides an overview of the state of basic skills (developmental) instruction in the two-year college. Discusses the characteristics of successful basic skills programs. (DMM)