A program officer at the Ford Foundation traces her experiences as student and "young trustee" at Vassar, graduate student at Columbia University during the early '70s, and teacher at Staten Island Community College. The challenge of diversity that she encountered in the '70s is seen as still prevalent today. (MLW)

Discusses the configuration of a department's position within a university system. Considers organizational issues, such as periodic self-evaluation, and argues that conversations concerning these issues should not wait for a full organizational analysis but should be a continuous activity. (MS)

Summarizes findings from a national study of the students, staff, and programs that make up community college fine arts departments. Reviews the history of community colleges' involvement in the fine and performing arts, student characteristics and goals, support for arts programs within the schools, and policy issues. (DMM)

Examines factors at the pre-college and community college level that influence the success of minority students pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Outlines recommendations for improving minority high school graduation rates and community college retention and transfer rates. (FMW)

Describes the experiences of American educators on a tour of "kindergarten" (preschool) programs in China, and highlights the major characteristics of child care and preschool in that country. Addresses funding, staff training, enrollment, child-staff ratios, health and immunization, parent involvement, politicization, materials and…

Drawing from a study of exemplary community college programs, offers recommendations for increasing support for at-risk students through preenrollment activities, orientation programs, elimination of late registration, basic skills assessment, improved financial aid, expanded mentoring programs, and increased problem solving and literacy…

Describes a study of undergraduate students that examined the relationship between selection of college computer courses and self-perceived proficiency in using computers, computer causal attributions, and selected computer attitudes. Gender issues are addressed, correlations between variables are examined, and implications for educators are…

Reports a study to determine the effects of a program emphasizing career information and the value of technical courses on the stereotypical attitudes of high school biology students (n=549) toward science and scientists and their decisions to continue in science. Results indicated that the intervention program modified the image of scientists…

Based on data on 8,203 high school graduates from the national High School and Beyond study, it was found that socioeconomically disadvantaged graduates have pursued nontraditional postsecondary enrollment options (part-time, delayed, and nondegree programs), even when data were controlled for differing academic characteristics. Theoretical,…

Examines the relevance and contribution of universities to national development in economic, sociocultural, and political dimensions. Discusses rates of return, employment, vocational curricula, equality, and ideology. Concludes that a major problem in developing nations is ambivalence of universities stemming from their international and national…

Examines the relationship between changing social and economic attitudes and educational trends concerning women, with changes in enrollment and degree patterns in higher education. Based on education statistics from 1969-88, finds women the majority of enrollees and degree recipients for most degree programs from the associate to the graduate…

Explores causes of the qualitative and quantitative diminution of community college transfers, including structural causes best addressed through accreditation. Considers the scope of accreditation and policies and practices of specialized and regional agencies. Argues that accreditation can influence general education, faculty qualifications,…

Reviews effective schools research in relation to Catholic schooling for African-American youth, and discusses major issues affecting the survival of urban Catholic schools. Those who benefit from Catholic schooling must plan ahead if these schools are to continue. Parent participation in political and fundraising activities is essential. (SLD)

High School and Beyond data for 1,332 male and 1,608 female African Americans indicate that several domains of influence help predict African-American males' postsecondary educational attainment. Family socioeconomic status, educational plans, father's influence, and peer influence are important predictors and indicate areas where student…

Reports findings from a study of campus-based child care services provided by 27 State University of New York community colleges for student-parents. Survey data from 501 student-parents at 24 colleges confirmed a strong positive relationship between campus-based child care and student-parent academic success, enrollment, and persistence. (DMM)