Describes a pilot project in applied academics that involved hiring certified mathemathics and science instructors so that students could obtain academic rather than vocational credit for material that vocational instructors had previously taught. (JOW)

The article reviews minimum competency requirements for handicapped students in the 39 states which have set minimum standards indicating a range from total exclusion of handicapped students from the testing program to required participation with no modifications. It is suggested that separate minimum standards be defined for special education…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of oral examinations of advanced degree candidates. Looks at examiners' attitudes and the kinds of questions which should be asked. Suggests that a fair oral examination ought to include factual as well as nonfactual questions and argues that many factual questions can be justified. (SED)

Describes a senior year program involving minicourses, career exploration, and a tutorial program that helps students bridge the transition from high school. (MD)

Reports results of a survey of high school principals' attitudes toward school improvement recommendations. (MD)

No state can afford to have the percentage of young people who are failing to finish high school remain at the present levels nor can they afford to ease the standards. This document discusses the following 10 strategies that states can implement to raise achievement and increase high school completion rates: (1) Initiate a transition program for…

Independent, or private, colleges and universities are diverse in their depth and variety -- in students, faculty, academic offerings, tuition levels. Surprising to many is just how affordable a quality private college education can be. It's an attainable dream for students from every social and economic segment of the nation. A private college…

Americans are beginning to recognize that many of the nation's high schools are in crisis, as policymakers, business leaders, and celebrities call attention to the country's low graduation rates. But the dropout problem, although severe, is only one indicator of the trouble plaguing the country's secondary schools. Because too many students are…

A high school diploma opens the door to many exciting new options. These might include a first full-time job, or part-time or full-time attendance at a technical school, community college, or university. Students might want to obtain a certificate, an associate degree, or a diploma. With so many choices, it can be a challenge to decide which path…

Studies have provided conflicting findings on who is more likely to graduate or to persist in higher education. This study examined differences between native students and transfer students in terms of graduation and retention rates, sought to discover factors that impact students' persistence in higher education, such as a student's first-term…

This report examines national and regional dropout rate trends; factors associated with dropping out; efforts these factors; and federal efforts to reduce dropout rates. Information came from interviews with National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) officials; review of NCES data and reports by dropout prevention experts; site visits at…

School districts are at a pivotal and exciting time in education in the province of British Columbia, Canada. With changes to provincial graduation requirements there exists an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the life/work journey of youth in this province. Districts have been given the responsibility and challenge to reinvent career…

This study examined the progress of students in New York City who entered the ninth grade in fall 1997 and were scheduled to graduate in spring 2001 after 4 years of high school. This report indicates the percentages of students in this class, the Class of 2001, who graduated, dropped out, and were still enrolled in school to attend a fifth year…

Aims to produce data and information that inform California Community College (CCC) decision-makers of the: extent of variance in California's associate degree definitions and graduation requirements, and perceptions of curricular leaders regarding the variances. Associate degree definitions and graduation requirements were compiled and analyzed…

This study examined whether alumni who were resident assistants (RAs) gave more to the institution than did alumni who were not RAs. This information was deemed significant for two reasons: (1) contributions from graduates are increasingly important sources of funds for colleges and universities; (2) information on why alumni contribute is…