Data from all Ph.D. students in four fields at Cornell University, 1962-1986, showed that students with fellowships or research assistantships had higher completion rates and took less time to complete their degrees than did than those with teaching assistantships, tuition waivers, or self-support. (SK)

Reports major findings of the most recent survey of graduate curricula in educational communications and technology conducted by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). Trends in U.S. and foreign programs are identified as well as changes in faculty, curriculum, entrance requirements, student services, and graduation…

Comparison of the transcripts of 2,098 high school graduates from 1982 and 1989 showed that vocational graduates made only small gains in math/science achievement. Most vocational graduates did not progress beyond general math or science courses. (SK)

Suggests that college students could begin to repay their debt to society during their studies by participating in a nonformal system of community education and outreach. Describes how this strategy was implemented in India to provide political education for older members of society. (DMM)

A discussion of whether the pharmaceutical externship/clerkship experience fulfills all or part of the required internship distinguishes between the two program types, looks at what has been learned from the externship/clerkship, and outlines what still is needed if the externship/clerkship is to be accepted by pharmacy boards as fulfilling…

Presents recommendations from the Ohio Council for the Social Studies for high school graduation requirements in social studies education and discusses the rationale behind proposed changes. Assesses the impact of the Council's recommendations, and defines potential cost factors involved in the recommendations. (RW)

Describes how one university's change from a seat-time to a proficiency-based foreign-language requirement affected foreign-language programs and instructional approaches, and focuses on the reasons for the change, student and instructor attitudes, and administrative changes. (CB)

This article shows how the methods of survival analysis (also known as event history analysis) lend themselves to the study of the timing of educational events. Using examples from teacher attrition and student dropout research, survival methods are introduced for building statistical models of the risk of event occurrence over time. (Author/SLD)

Despite evidence of improved instruction, a newly elected school board has reinstated traditional graduation requirements at Littleton (Colorado) High School. Apparently, juniors who had previously earned average grades were overwhelmed or confused by the graduation portfolio and demonstration requirements. Also, assessment tasks, scoring rubrics,…

A study examined the structural relationship among four constructs--motivational factors, student background, academic performance, and student persistence in college--for both minorities and non-minorities. Although motivation failed to impact academic performance for either racial subgroup, there was a significant motivational effect on…

In one California high school, learning to learn is a measurable outcome assessed by all students' participation in graduation by exhibition. Students must meet state requirements and demonstrate learning prowess by publicly exhibiting their skills in math, science, language arts, social science, service learning, and postgraduation planning. (MLH)

In Minnesota, imperial forces would implement a controlling, if well-intentioned system designed to make teachers and students conform to standards not of their choosing. Based on outcome-based education precepts, the proposed reform ideas are retreads of tried and untrue conservative concepts with a history of failure. When minimum expectations…

Using traditional Native research methods (talking circles and vision quests), a teacher at Edmonton (Alberta) Public Schools discovered why Canadian Native students' dropout rate was so high. Kids' complaints about poor relationships with teachers, racism, peer pressure, and poor family support were heeded, and successful interventions were…

Comparison of teacher-assigned grades and Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) scores in English, math, and science for 736 eighth-graders reveals that MCAS hurts African-Americans and Latinos/as in math and girls in math and science. Equitability disparities indicate the need for caution in high-stakes testing; scores should be…

Community service can raise students' self-esteem, develop moral character, and help students feel part of their community. However, school leaders need to be aware of the potential pitfalls associated with mandating community service. These include liability, cost, logistical hassles, and possible negative psychological effects on students. (MLF)