The purpose of this study was to present and evaluate Bayesian-type models for estimating probabilities of program completion and for predicting first quarter grade point averages of community college students entering certain allied health fields. Two Bayesian models were tested. Bayesian Model 1--Estimating Probabilities of Program…

To develop a battery of tasks to predict and improve mobility performance, a series of functional vision tasks (texural shearing, degraded images, embedded figures, and parafoveal attention) were generated by a microcomputer. Sixty visually impaired subjects given either computerized task training or real-life training improved their low vision…

In the future of public library service, provision of books, population growth, professional staff shortages, and censorship problems won't change. Librarians will initiate change in improved services, use of new technology, and expanding financial support, but they will be unable to control change in new information formats and increasing…

The following potential predictors of first quarter college grade point average were examined: student perception of their preparation for college work; attitudes toward the university and the developmental studies program: belief that developmental programs predict achievement; high schools grade point average; and Scholastic Aptitude Test…

A survey of first- and second-year medical students at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, revealed concern about a perceived loss of practice autonomy, inadequate financial rewards, and anticipated debt level. Career preferences were toward larger communities, group practices, and specialist practices. (MSE)

Three educators review two reports about education in the future. The reviewers address the question of which predictions seem most probable and least probable in the reports. (MD)

In recent years there have been substantial changes in the way in which education is structured, financed, and managed in Australia. The move towards more self-management in schools, is now operating in the Australian school systems. Similar changes have been occurring in other countries, spurred on, by the governments' desire to save money. In…

The new government of the state of Victoria (Australia) announced its "Schools of the Future" program in 1993. The emphasis on the role of the community in education and self-management by schools seemed promising for the quality of education in the state, but after 3 years of implementation, the reality does not match the rhetoric of…

In all states of Australia, the move toward decentralization of education seems to have gained momentum. This is particularly true in Victoria, where the government's "Schools of the Future" program declared the importance of local community control of schools. Recent research, however, indicates that after 3 years, the reality of this…

This study looked at the relationship between the programs students chose upon college entry, the programs from which they graduated, and the time taken to graduate. Individual student data on more than 204,000 freshmen entering 38 public, land grant, and Research I universities in 1988 and 1990 were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to…

Discusses possible causes of grade inflation and standards deregulation. Offers examples of proficiency-based assessments. (six references) (LMI)

Examined relationships of measures of occupational and academic self-efficacy; vocational interests; outcome expectations; academic ability; and perceived stress, support, and coping to academic achievement of engineering/science majors (n=197). Self-efficacy for academic milestones, in combination with other academic and support variables, was…

Discusses a study of the ability of 11 variables to predict performance, achievement, teacher evaluation, and retention of fifth grade beginning instrumentalists. Reports that scholastic ability and academic achievement tests were leading predictors of performance achievement. Concludes that socioeconomic status and self-concept played prominent…

This study examines the association of demographic, psychological, and environmental characteristics of a sample of low socioeconomic status, Mexican American students and their reported use of nine substances. Results indicate that a specific combination of variables predicted both minor and major substances used. The authors offer suggestions…

Initial findings and case studies of a 30-year follow-up of gifted students and adults suggest that characteristics such as love of one's work, persistence, purpose in life, love of challenge, high energy level, and a sense of mission may be more important in the long run than creative ability, intelligence, and high school achievement. (DB)