Describes a survey project for use in sociological research methods courses. The project is built around the American Council on Education's Freshman Survey, and provides instructors with valuable opportunities to design panel studies focusing on the experience of the students over their college years. Claims that the suggested project reduces the…

Portland (Maine) Regional Vocational Technical Center conducted an integrated studies research project to identify and validate the academic skills and conpetencies embedded in its vocational programs. Recommendations were made to award integrated studies credit for vocational curricula that develop specified competencies in mathematics, social…

The Better Schools Program began in 1984 throughout Tennessee. This 10-point program improved achievement by emphasizing basic skills, computer skills, increased math and science requirements, special programs, and a redefinition of vocational education. Sensitive issues such as year-round schools and incentive pay for teachers have been…

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…