The purpose of this study was to examine the college enrollment and persistence rates of rural high schools in Pennsylvania; the types of postsecondary institutions in which students from such schools enroll; and the student, school, and college characteristics associated with enrollment and persistence outcomes. The study used extant data from…

The examination of historical trend data on the number and percent of students lost from public school enrollment prior to graduation from high school is becoming increasingly important since distinct trends are emerging on a regional basis. This study examines regional trends in Texas on the number and percent of students lost from public high…

This report uses data from the 1995-96 to 2001 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study to examine three questions concerning students pursuing postsecondary certificates or associate's degrees in career related fields (referred to here as occupational students): (1) who enters postsecondary occupational education? (2) to what extent do…

This policy brief reports on a study of variation in states' school completion rates for students with disabilities and the relationship of school completion to economic, sociodemographic, and educational variables. States' school completion rates were calculated from data maintained by the Department of Education. In addition, state-level special…

Community colleges, which tend to be more accessible and affordable than other postsecondary institutions, are a critical resource for low-income people striving to improve their prospects in the labor market and in life. Yet nearly half of students who begin at community colleges leave school before receiving a credential. Research by MDRC and…

Trends in paid employment among college students since the early 1960s are described, effects on student persistence and the financial rate of return for individual students while in college are analyzed, and possible explanations for the rising trend in employment are examined. (Author/MSE)

Although shortages of certified special education teachers occur in both rural and urban areas, they are more critical in rural districts, where recruitment can be problematic and there are few special educators on staff. In response to chronic shortages in the state, the Utah State Office of Education created a critical personnel shortages…

This report uses data from the 1995-96 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study to profile undergraduates who were enrolled in U.S. postsecondary institutions in the academic year 1995-96. The report begins with an essay that explores the extent to which undergraduates work while they are in school. This essay found that 79 percent of…

This report combines syntheses of prior research with new analyses of previously collected data to address trends for minority group participation in higher education over the past 25 years. Two chapters focus on the aggregate impact of individual choices and behaviors in college attendance. Chapter 1 describes trends in minority enrollment and…

Drawing from studies conducted at Prince George's Community College (PGCC) between 1989 and 1991, this report offers a profile of developmental students at PGCC and an analysis of the remedial education needs of fall 1990 first-time students. The first section of the report reviews findings from a number of statewide and institutional studies…

One in a series on southwestern states, this report deals with the underrepresentation of Hispanics and other racial and ethnic minorities in higher education and provides specific information concerning Arizona's population. Written for educational policy makers, the report focuses on the implications of the fact that the greatest population…

One in a series on southwestern states, this report deals with the underrepresentation of Hispanics and other racial and ethnic minorities in higher education and provides specific information concerning Colorado's population. Written for educational policy makers, the report focuses on the implications of the fact that the greatest population…

A report on racial and ethnic minorities in higher education in the state of Texas highlights implications of the changing demography of the Southwestern United States for educational planning. Graphs and tables, discussion, and an overall summary present information derived from the 1980 Census of Population and the Higher Education General…

Both Hispanics and Whites have made important educational gains over the past two decades. However, Hispanics trail their White peers with respect to educational access, achievement, and attainment, although some differences have narrowed over time. This booklet summarizes data from "The Condition of Education, 1995," on overall educational trends…