Thirty-three universities were surveyed by the University of Arizona to see who was responsible for the process of evaluating students' remaining degree requirements, how much of this process was automated or computerized, and who in each institution responds to the Higher Education General Information Survey. Results are presented. (MSE)

Whether the dropout rate is a good measure of a quality education is debatable. One could probably make a case that a high dropout rate is just as credible an indicator of a quality education program as a low dropout rate. As with any high-stakes measure of performance, those being evaluated scramble, sometimes frantically, for strategies that…

Suggests that one of the biggest high school newspaper stories of the year is senior graduation and that it deserves better and more thorough coverage. (RB)

Discusses commencement ceremonies and the need to provide meaningful messages to graduates rather than a bland, congratulatory speech. (MD)

To counter student misbehavior and restore dignity to commencement exercises, this article details some basic guidelines concerning scheduling, student dress, and student behavior development at Hoffman Estates (Illinois) High School. Graduating students were assigned to teacher chaperones and were given specific behavior expectations. (MLH)

Discusses an Alabama silent prayer law struck down by the Supreme Court. Also discusses two Iowa court cases, one involving prayer at graduation ceremonies, the other involving distribution of Bibles in state schools. (MD)

To determine university requirements of health education, a survey was sent to colleges and universities listed in "A National Directory of College and University Health Education Programs and Faculty" (1981 edition). Results indicate that only 10.7 percent of the universities in the United States require general health education of all…

Graduation and persistence rates were compared for 184 students, 92 of whom had repeated multiple courses or at least 1 course 3 times. A control group of 92 nonrepeating students was drawn from the remaining 303 students of the entire 1996 cohort. There was no difference between the graduation rate of repeaters and nonrepeaters. The persistence…

Florida has adopted and implemented a variety of ways to test handicapped students without harming them, including exemptions, special standards, and modification of test techniques. (Author/CL)

Describes a program in which adult students can earn a regular diploma from the local high school by passing competency examinations in basic skills and by earning credit for learning gained through life experience. (Author/IRT)

Discusses how an academic review of the football teams that competed in this year's bowl games shows that many universities allow players to take an easy path to a degree. (EV)

Describes Pathways to High School Success, a restructured high school program created by the Rochester City (New York) School District to allow students to earn a diploma in 3, 4, or 5 years. (PKP)

Michigan education officials are pushing legislation that includes online lessons as part of a package of new requirements for high school graduation. If state lawmakers approve the bill, which was introduced late last month, the mandate would be the first of its kind in the nation, state officials there believe. While the details are still in the…