Examines the idea that introductory college courses should be magnets for recruiting and retaining science majors, not filters to discourage the "unfit." Discusses the possible relationship between the quality of instruction in college science and the number of students that drop out of science well into their college careers. (KR)

Presented is the position that the only goal for nonscience majors is scientific literacy, and that this goal can only be achieved through separate science courses for nonmajors. Two approaches to accomplish this and some issues of concern are examined. (KR)

Discussed is the idea that scientific illiteracy among scientists lies at the heart of the problems with undergraduate science education. Included is a description of a science literacy course for nonmajors and a proposed list of the most important ideas underlying science. (KR)

This three-year survey of undergraduates (n=330) in science, mathematics, and engineering (SME) majors indicates that a large proportion of those who switch from SME majors acknowledge difficulties that arise from structural and cultural sources rather than from personal inadequacy. Those who persevere make effective use of situational resources…

A total of 117 descriptions of notable programs and promising practices related to 30 specific problems, practices, and goals in American postsecondary education are presented. The programs described are the result of three searches made by the staff of the National Commission on Excellence in Education, although neither the staff nor the…