A study examined the success of the first three years of the Dutch Open University's operation by analyzing data pertaining to students' backgrounds and academic progress while enrolled in the open university. The fact that registered inquiries about the Dutch Open University rose from 120,000 during the summer and autumn of 1984 to more than…

The School-Community Guidance Center (SCGC) program was established in November 1984 to serve high-risk Austin (Texas) Independent School District students removed from their home campuses for school disciplinary reasons, or by juvenile justice authorities for purposes of probation or judicial detention. Two project specialists are assigned to the…

This study investigated the adult adjustment (1 year after leaving school) of 615 people with mental disabilities who had graduated from special education programs in Iowa in 1985 and 1986, as well as 62 dropouts who began in the same classes. Current living situation, leisure activities, and marital status were studied, with a special emphasis on…

This inventory was developed to serve as a working tool to help local education agencies review existing policies and practices that may negatively affect students' achievement and encourage their dropping out, especially in grades 7 through 12. The following areas are covered: (1) instruction; (2) discipline; (3) support services; (4) attendance;…

This document comprises a report on the concerns of Hispanic Americans in Colorado. A sample of 606 people with Spanish surnames were interviewed by telephone in January 1989. The following sample characteristics are reported: (1) 48.7 percent were male; (2) the average was 43.3 years; (3) 67.3 percent were married; (4) average household size was…

This document reports on the first of three outreach meetings convened by the Migrant Education Secondary Assistance Project. The meeting addressed characteristics that affect the academic achievement of migrant secondary school-aged youth. Held in conjunction with the New York Migrant Education Program State Conference, the meeting provided…

The setting for this study was a basic education component of a summer youth program designed to increase chances of high risk adolescents, mostly minorities, whose ages ranged from 14-18, to experience more positive academic and employment outcomes. The instructional program used in both experimental and control classrooms emphasized mastery…

Original data is presented which examines some of the factors that contribute to the low number of African-American males receiving baccalaureate degrees in Maryland. The data represents findings which resulted from research by an appointed task force; a "Town Meeting" of students, parents, and other interested adults; consultation with…

Fall-to-spring retention rates were calculated at Prince George's Community College (PGCC) for several demographic groups and for first-time students attending the college in fall 1989. Data from longitudinal studies were included to provide a more complete picture of student persistence at PGCC. Study findings included the following: (1) 60% of…

The Austin (Texas) Independent School District was awarded a grant by the state to establish a program for middle school students who are pregnant or parents. The Pregnancy, Education, and Parenting (PEP) program was started at Robbins Secondary School to provide maximum academic and support services, as well as licensed day care, for male and…

This review examines literature on the community's role in the achievement and psychosocial outcomes of disadvantaged students. It identifies three classes of factors as pertinent: community structure, community climate, and community involvement. Community characteristics were found to have only a weak effect on achievement at the individual…

This book is a 1942 compilation of solicited information on rural education trends and guidance programs in the United States. Chapter 1 emphasizes the necessity of good educational guidance for rural children and discusses factors which determine child development, including the rural environment and standards of living. Chapter 2 discusses…

This article includes excerpts from case studies of at-risk students. It discusses the basic conditions associated with being "at-risk," the high prevalence of at-risk students in rural areas, and the relationship of this phenomena to social structural changes, particularly in the rural United States. Necessary policy and social responses are…

The United States' economic performance in the world economy is compared with that of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom (the Summit 7 countries). Competitiveness is assessed by four economic indicators: standard of living, trade, manufacturing productivity, and investment. The United States continues to outinvest the…

These five articles offer ideas on rural education, school consolidation, and community-based educational improvement initiatives. The first article, by Boyd Kidwell, gives a status report of rural schools, which are saddled by declining enrollments, fewer dollars, and demands for higher standards. Examples in Georgia, Texas, and Missouri are used…