New York College Learning Skills Association

RTDE Issue Contents

Research and Teaching
in Developmental Education

Volume 18, Issue 2, Spring 2002

Measured Reading Levels of Upper Division Students at CSUDH: Results of a Two Year Study
By Caron Mellblom and Alejandro Morales, California State University, Dominguez Hills

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop data regarding the reading skills of a sample of upper division students enrolled in General Studies classes at California State University, Dominguez Hills, (CSUDH). The pervasive sense among the faculty is that student-reading skills are declining and that many of the students at CSUDH do not have college level reading skills. However, there is little local data available to support this belief. Data was collected regarding the reading skills of students in Upper division classes, and focus groups and interviews were conducted with students who demonstrated below college reading skills, but who earned a grade point average of 2.0 or better and who were progressing satisfactorily toward their degree. From these interviews researchers learned what the students viewed as most important for their college success.