Information Digest 1998-1999: Learning Support Programs

LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAMS

FY1991 - FY1998

Developmental Studies programs began in Fall 1974 as a means of bringing the reading, English, and mathematical skills of marginally prepared students up to standard. In 1993, Developmental Studies policy and procedures were revised and Developmental Studies programs were included under a broader Learning Support (LS) structure. LS programs serve students who need preparation in reading, mathematics, English, and/or other areas for success in college. Students who do not meet standards for regular admission are required to take the appropriate part(s) of the Collegiate Placement Exam or COMPASS exam to determine whether they are to be placed in LS courses. In admissions, placement, and exit requirements, institutions may set higher standards than required by the System. No degree credit may be earned in LS courses, but institutional credit is awarded. LS programs may serve three groups of students:

Students required to take LS courses because they are below System minimum requirements for placement (430 SAT-Verbal or 400 SAT-Math or CPC English or CPC Math);
Students who are above the System minimum requirements but are required by the institution to take LS courses or other courses;
Students who volunteer to take LS courses to prepare for regular college courses.

Learning Support Requirements
1998 High School Graduates as First-Time College Freshmen, Fall 1998

Institution	Number of First- Time Freshmen	Number with any LS Requirement*	Percent with any LS Requirement*	Number Below System Minima	Percent Below System Minima

Georgia Institute of Tech.	2,164	5	0.2	5	0.2
Georgia State University	1,438	11	0.8	2	0.1
Medical College of Georgia	0	0	0.0	0	0.0
University of Georgia	4,232	621	14.7	20	0.5
University Total	7,834	637	8.1	27	0.3

Georgia Southern Univ.	2,736	1,079	39.4	360	13.2
Valdosta State University	1,217	13	1.1	12	1.0
Regional University Total	3,953	1,092	27.6	372	9.4

Albany State University	442	245	55.4	245	55.4
Armstrong Atlantic State Univ.	471	205	43.5	147	31.2
Augusta State University	676	209	30.9	127	18.8
Clayton College & State Univ.	405	203	50.1	102	25.2
Columbus State University	672	126	18.8	125	18.6
Fort Valley State University	401	283	70.6	283	70.6
Georgia College & State Univ.	670	152	22.7	62	9.3
Georgia Southwestern State Univ.	237	50	21.1	42	17.7
Kennesaw State University	977	291	29.8	48	4.9
North Ga. College & State Univ.	575	87	15.1	27	4.7
Savannah State University	226	151	66.8	148	65.5
Southern Polytechnic State Univ.	369	0	0.0	0	0.0
State University of West Georgia	1,580	600	38.0	381	24.1
State University Total	7,701	2,602	33.8	1,737	22.6

Dalton State College	525	216	41.1	191	36.4
Macon State College	335	184	54.9	120	35.8
State College Total	860	400	46.5	311	36.2

Abraham Baldwin Agric. College	640	267	41.7	266	41.6
Atlanta Metropolitan College	156	117	75.0	117	75.0
Bainbridge College	123	78	63.4	75	61.0
Coastal Georgia Community College	137	7	5.1	6	4.4
Darton College	398	214	53.8	195	49.0
East Georgia College	265	203	76.6	189	71.3
Floyd College	347	220	63.4	146	42.1
Gainesville College	577	323	56.0	236	40.9
Georgia Perimeter College	1,281	764	59.6	500	39.0
Gordon College	682	288	42.2	285	41.8
Middle Georgia College	475	228	48.0	201	42.3
South Georgia College	275	134	48.7	129	46.9
Waycross College	121	51	42.1	39	32.2
Two-Year College Total	5,477	2,894	52.8	2,384	43.5

SYSTEM TOTAL	25,825	7,625	29.5	4,831	18.7

* The columns representing "any LS requirement" include students who were required to take LS courses because they fell below System minima, students who were required to take LS courses because they fell below institutional minima, and a small number of students (304) who volunteered to be placed in LS courses.

Sources: The Policy Manual; Academic Affairs Handbook; Learning Support Administrative Procedures; Student Information Reporting System