This position paper investigates the merits and potential benefits of creating a new, more comprehensive professional association for members of the learning assistance and developmental education profession. This was the task assigned to the College Reading and Learning Association/National Association for Developmental Education (CRLA/NADE) Working Group by the CRLA and NADE national executive boards. This Working Group considered not only the issue of effectiveness of the current professional associations but also the merits of expanding the mission and vision of a new professional association. Building upon the success of CRLA and NADE, the Working Group identified many ways a new association could better serve members and have a greater influence on student success and in society (CRLA/NADE Taskforce, 2007).

Introduction Leaders representing the major professional organizations involved with developmental education and learning assistance were invited to conduct a strategic analysis of the field and to reflect upon these organizations in particular. These leaders are members of an ad hoc task force called the Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC). They were appointed by the professional organizations that are members of the American Council of Developmental Education Associations (ACDEA). The ACDEA charged the BRC with conducting a strategic analysis of the profession and to report their findings back for guidance regarding potential planning decisions by the ACDEA member organizations. This report is intended as a catalyst for conversation and reflection at this crucial time.

CMS is a secure and scalable web-based course management system developed by the Cornell University Computer Science Department. The system was designed to simplify, streamline, and automate many aspects of the workflow associated with running a large course, such as course creation, importing students, management of student workgroups, online submission of assignments, assignment of graders, grading, handling regrade requests, and preparation of final grades. In contrast, other course management systems of which we are aware provide only specialized solutions for specific components, such as grading. CMS is increasingly widely used for course management at Cornell University. In this paper we articulate the principles we followed in designing the system and describe the features that users found most useful.

(1992). Evaluating a Tutor Program: Decision Points and Methodologies. Journal of College Reading and Learning: Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 11-16.