From: [log in to unmask] Return-path: <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: reference needed on mandatory vs. advisory testing Date: Wed, 28 Jan 1998 20:02:43 EST Organization: AOL (http://www.aol.com) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Catherine, et. al., Here are the most comprehensive studies I'm aware of on the mandatory placement vs discretionary placement issue, both of these supporting the latter. L. Bliss & B. Bonham (1992) "National Study of Developmental Education." (AKA The Exxon Study) On six student success variables, discretionary placement produced better results. Data developed from this study was never printed in its entirety in one publication, but you can probably obtain a citation from either of its developers: <[log in to unmask]> <[log in to unmask]> J. Utterback (1989), "Closing the Door: A Critical Review of Forced Academic Placement," Journal of College Reading and Learning, 22, (1), pp 14-22. This is a metanalytic study with an appropriately rich and worthy list of references. Regards, Gene Kerstiens Andragogy Associates 3434 W. 227 Place Torrance, CA 90505 (310) 326-5819 <[log in to unmask]>