This installment reporting on the 47th Annual PDK/Gallup Poll of American's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools focuses on American's views of the value of a high school and a college education and the affordability of college. It is the first year the poll included enough respondents to be able to break out sentiments of specific demographic…

While there have been steady increases in postsecondary education attendance by students with learning disabilities (LD), limited research has examined secondary schooling factors that may affect and promote their postsecondary educational aspirations and enrollment. Drawing on a sample of 370 students with LD from the National Longitudinal…

This article provides an overview of vocational education and training (VET) at the secondary level in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, describes the basic guiding principles of VET policies in these provinces and then examines how young people's trajectories may or may not be in harmony with these policy directions. We argue that…

Interviews with 204 students in seven secondary schools concerning the activities in school that gave them a sense of accomplishment revealed that 21 percent of the respondents could think of none. Moreover, another 31 percent could think of nothing related to the curriculum that gave them a sense of accomplishment. (Author/WD)

A questionnaire distributed to 25 school systems across the U.S. reveals that a majority of secondary school students have positive feelings about their schools and their teachers. Building administrators drew the most negative responses. (Author/WD)

Describes 20 ways in which secondary schools can enhance their learning climates, using time and effort in a more businesslike, productive way to increase orderliness and predictability; improve recognition of the value of time; emphasize excellence; and create a sense of purpose, openness, and optimism regarding learning and living. (Author/PGD)

The five teaching techniques most often cited as effective by secondary students surveyed in Little Rock (Arkansas) were: (1) provision of clear, complete explanations and concrete examples; (2) a positive, relaxed learning environment; (3) individualized instruction; (4) adequate academic learning time; and (5) teacher enthusiasm and ability to…

A scientific sample of 820 Ohioans responded to a 10-question telephone survey about vocational education in Ohio. The findings, which can be generalized to all Ohioans, included the following: (1) four out of five say that it is extremely important or very important that vocational education remain part of high school programs; (2) nearly one of…

Sex differences were found in relations between school attitudes, ability, and achievement. It is suggested that at each attitude level increases in cognitive ability are associated with increments in achievement, and at different ability levels increases in attitude scores are related to increments in achievement. (RC)

A British survey of 10,000 12- to 25-year olds identified their views on skills and knowledge, the educational system, teachers, further/higher education, and learning methods. Those surveyed were informed about and interested in learning issues; they wanted flexible and relevant curricula, accessible guidance, and assurance of future work and…

In England the government's specialist schools initiative is transforming the nature of secondary education. A three-year longitudinal case study tracked the effects of specialist performing arts college status on two schools. The sites were a mainstream school drawing pupils from an area of high social deprivation and disadvantage, and a special…

The relationship between juvenile delinquency and school performance was observed through the application of LISREL-type modeling to study compliance theory. Details of research methodology and results are given. (DF)

A choice of friends questionnaire and interviews were used to examine how pupils of similar ability perceived themselves in relation to their peers and to the school system. While the formation of group cohesiveness among remedial children was identified, this did not correlate with antischool values and negative self-images. (Author/SK)

The author presents the feelings of Rickie, the 13-year-old son of migrant agricultural workers, about his transient life and the trauma of frequently changing schools. (SJL)

Between May 5 and May 21, 1980, Northwest Attitudes, Inc. (NWAI) surveyed 2,042 students around Oregon about attitudes towards school, education, behavior and discipline. The students surveyed represented a random sample of students in grades 7 through 12 in Oregon's public schools. The questionnaire was a self-administered instrument completed by…