An American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding Opportunity: Redesigning Remedial and Developmental Education MS Word PDF - This ECS Alert describes the various sources of ARRA funds and offers suggestions for how states and postsecondary institutions might use this funding for one-time investments in education technology and curriculum development. Such investments would help meet the education and training needs of the growing dislocated worker population while also increasing the long-term level of institutional productivity. (Bruce Vandal, Education Commission of the States, June 2009) ...

Paying Double: Inadequate High Schools and Community College Remediation - The United States wastes more than $3.7 billion a year because too many students are not learning the basic skills needed to succeed in college or work while they are in high school. This report argues for better preparation in high school in order to reduce the need for remediation at the postsecondary level. (Alliance for Excellent Education, August 2006) ...

Steps Can Be Taken to Reduce Remediation Rates; 78% of Community College Students, 10% of University Students Need Remediation - The cost of remediation courses taken by students in Florida was $118.3 million during 2004-05, with the state paying 53% of this amount. This report addresses the following five questions: (1) How many students require remediation? (2) What are the costs associated with remediation? (3) Has the need for remediation changed over time? (4) What factors influence the need for remediation? and (5) What options could the state consider to reduce the need for remediation? (Office of Program Policy Analysis & Government Accountability, April 2006) ...

Finding Alternatives to Failure: Can States End Social Promotion and Reduce Retention Rates? MS Word - Using data from the 16 member states of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), this report analyzes the negative consequences of social promotion – for both the student and the community – and presents several strategies for helping struggling students reach and remain at grade level. (David R. Denton, SREB, January 2001)...