Describes the impact of a project to train learning-lab specialists in adult basic education and improve the operation of learning laboratories in the community colleges of New York State. Training activities, as well as specific training outcomes, are reviewed. (DR)

The relationship between special admissions students' ratings of their skills and their use of campus programs was examined. High ability students participated in campus programs more. The smallest differences in use of campus programs between the ability groups were in areas most directly related to improvement of academic skills. (Author)

A survey of 21 principals and 7 assistant principals in a large Canadian city examined their perceptions of the effectiveness of programs for at-risk students. In general, these administrators endorsed the effectiveness of community approaches to assisting at-risk students, and they felt that the focus of interventions needs to be broadened. (SLD)

The Southeastern Minority Trainer of Trainers program provides leadership training in three phases to African American community leaders in five southern states. Findings of little leadership change in Phase 1 and Phase 2 survey evaluations for three states were in contrast to results of focus groups at the conclusion of Phase 2 capstone…

Describes a study that used Unemployment Insurance/Social Security Insurance wage data to examine the effects of participation in educational programs at a multicultural, inner city community college. Reports impressive gains in earnings for economically disadvantaged students who completed associate degrees (257%) and for associate degree…

Notes that student learning declines or remains stagnant during the summer months and that the magnitude of change differs by socioeconomic status. Explains a summer reading program called Continued Connections which used a converted recreational vehicle as a mobile classroom. Concludes that this program helped students increase their reading…

Stores (n=120) in Chicago (Illinois) were targeted for enforcement of prohibitions on selling cigarettes to minors. Enforcement schedules of 2, 4, and 6 months were effective in reducing illegal sales, from 86% to 19%, 87% to 34%, and 87% to 42%, respectively, indicating the effectiveness of regular enforcement of civil penalties for tobacco sales…

Survey data received from student development practitioners at 53 community colleges are used to investigate exemplary student affairs programs. Identifies six core elements that underlie successful student development programs, such as champions leading the way and meeting student needs in nontraditional ways. Uses examples from community…

Describes efforts of Florence-Darlington Technical College (South Carolina) to improve academic programs through the development and implementation of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Includes results from a study investigating four variables of student performance in CAI and traditional lecture sections for five courses. Reports mixed results…

Presents the quality-focused management (QFM) system and explains the departure QFM makes from established community college management practices. Describes the system's self-directed teams engaged in a continuous improvement process driven by customer demand and long-term commitment to quality and cost control. (13 references.) (MAB)

Studied Community-Based Learning program, Job Training Partnership Act-sponsored drop-out prevention effort focusing on youth service, career exploration, civic education, and academic development. Found that learning in community could be effective in improving attendance and school grades, as well as helping students to learn. Major contributor…

Reviews major research conducted between 1984 and 1989 on test anxiety among college, concluding that test anxiety may result from long-term memory problems. Explores techniques for reducing test anxiety, assessing the relative validity of each. Proposes a holistic approach to reducing test anxiety that addresses cognitive and emotional…

Assesses the effectiveness of methods used by instructors in Collin County Community College's psychology department to increase student involvement in learning: a laboratory component, extensive writing to learn, classroom research, and business/industry apprenticeships. Concludes that active participation promotes synthesis and integration of…

Describes the pilot work and resulting project of the Muppet Club Project, designed to increase the effectiveness of available support mechanisms for emotionally and behaviorally disordered children by means of three elements: early identification of needs, making the most of existing resources in the community, and setting up activity groups for…

Examines six mentoring programs conducted by fraternities and other organizations to ascertain the perceptions of participants of the effectiveness of their involvement. Results with 51 mentors and 54 African-American male adolescents support the positive impact of mentoring programs. Mentoring can be an important component of multifaceted…