The standard measures of student performance in colleges and universities--grade point average (GPA), retention rates, and graduation rates--are examined for their usefulness in evaluating an institution's effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. Problems are noted with the GPA with all courses being treated the same and student load being…

Although quality education is a concern in every field of study, science, mathematics, and technology have a special importance in this country. They make up one of the cornerstones on which our success as a nation is built. To maintain our strength and independence, skills in these fields cannot degenerate. President Reagan has said that the…

The uses of computers by colleges and universities are described, and some definitions of computer literacy are proposed. In addition, an essay, "Computing and Higher Education: The Revolution Is Through the Gates," by Robert G. Gillespie briefly considers the efforts colleges are making to explore the potential of the personal computer.…

The Education General Studies curriculum at North Carolina State University is a useful alternative to the teacher education curricula. Because it separates decisions about graduation from certification recommendations, the education general studies curriculum provides the faculty with an honorable alternative to allowing marginal and weak…

Two national surveys on graduation requirements and transition services for students with handicaps are briefly described. The first study, "State Graduation Policies and Program Practices Related to High School Special Education Programs" by Joanne Records Bodner et al., surveyed state special education directors or their designees in 50 states…

The sixth annual "State Education Performance Chart" compares the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 39 variables arranged in 4 major groups. The groups are: student performance; resource inputs; state reforms; and population characteristics. Examples of the variables are: ACT scores; SAT scores; graduation rate; average…

The sixth annual "State Education Performance Chart, Supplement" compares the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 24 variables arranged in 2 groups: student performance and resource inputs. The variables are a subset of those used by the main chart. Comparisons are made between 1988 and 1987 data for most variables, or between…

This press release documents the remarks made by Lauro F. Cavazos (U.S. Secretary of Education) at a press conference publicizing the 1989 edition of the "State Education Performance Chart." This chart provides comparative data for the years 1982 and 1988. It is reported that in 1988, the performance of U.S. students was stagnant.…

This report summarizes the results of a study conducted to provide a complete and documented picture of public secondary education in Massachusetts. The study involved an analysis of questionnaire data and transcripts from about 3,000 graduates in the 1984 school year. Specifically, the study addressed the following questions: (1) How do student…

Surveys of faculty and students at Drexel University were conducted to assess the effects of the university's decision in late 1982 to require all incoming freshmen to buy computers. A May 1983 survey determined faculty experiences with computers, their teaching preferences, and educational backgrounds. Based on responses from 328 faculty (93%),…

Microcomputing facilities at Drexel University are described. In 1983 the university instituted a policy requiring all students to have personal access to a microcomputer. Students keep their computers in their dorm rooms or off-campus living quarters. To provide access to students while they are on campus, clusters of university-owned machines…

When a variety of groups became concerned with a perceived deficiency in public education in the 1970's, critical attention was successively focused on student accountability, the school curriculum, and teachers. This digest briefly reports on teacher competency testing. The 1980 Gallup Poll showed that 85% of citizens polled said teachers should…

Highlights of a public opinion survey on the quality of Chicago Public Schools are presented in this executive summary of a more detailed report (UD 024 295). First, characteristics of public schools parents are outlined (although parents of students in private schools and non-parents were included in the survey). Public school parents, it is…

Many sincere, well-prepared, and technically qualified teachers of English as a second language (ESL) are awkward in class, stressed, and insecure, showing little excitement or energy. The missing element in training programs for ESL teachers is a good basic course in drama. It is an expression at both the visual and auditory levels, is a medium…

The extent to which values of college department heads were linked to their attitudes toward selected educational innovations was assessed. Five deans of education were requested to select and rank five innovations from a list of 29. A list of the innovations, the Study of Values survey, and a demographic and descriptive questionnaire were mailed…