Laurie Lewis
Published: 1996
Total Pages: 45
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The Survey on Remedial Education in Higher Education Institutions was designed to provide current national estimates about the extent of remediation on college campuses. The study examined participation in college-level remedial education, characteristics of remedial courses and programs, and policies or laws that affect remedial education. Data were collected in Fall 1995 from 3,060 two-year and four-year higher education institutions that enroll freshmen. Seventy-eight percent of the institutions offered at least one remedial course. Remedial reading courses were offered by 57 percent and mathematics courses were offered by about 75 percent of responding institutions. The average number of courses offered was 2.1 for reading, 2.0 for writing, and 2.5 for mathematics. Public two-year institutions offered a much higher average number of remedial courses than other types of institutions. Twenty-nine percent of first-time freshmen enrolled in at least one remedial reading, writing, or mathematics course. Students were most frequently selected by freshmen placement tests. Seventeen tables provide data on the following aspects: participation in college-level remedial education, characteristics of remedial courses and programs, polices or laws affecting remedial education, changes in remedial education since 1983-84 and 1989. A detailed description of the survey and statistical methodologies are provided. The survey questionnaire is appended. (JLS)