Data from the 1990 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the 1990 High School Transcript Study are used to compare students' course-taking patterns with their NAEP achievement scores and schools' graduation requirements. Relatively few students were affected by these requirements. Results suggest that marginal students could…

Identified curricular and instructional practices within schools whose students exceeded the state passing average for Language Arts on the Alabama High School Graduation Examination, even though student population were predominantly high risk. Teacher and administrator data indicated that teachers' years of experience, certification levels, and…

Studied whether eighth-grade reading scores on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills predict success on the five subtests of the Georgia High School Graduation Test. Findings for 102 high school seniors show that reading scores are statistically significantly related to all five subtests, with correlations ranging from 0.69 to 0.86. (SLD)

The policies/practices of the New Zealand School Certificate--a summative examination taken by students after three years of secondary school--are reviewed. The examination is likely to be discarded because of the many mechanisms used to buffer scaling effects and equate distributions. New assessment methods may better reflect student achievement.…

Data from 7,179 graduates of high schools that sent students to Altoona Vocational Technical School (AVTS) and 962 responses to a questionnaire provided information about enrollment trends, vocational credits, postsecondary experience, and work experience. (SK)

Using event-history techniques and a modified status attainment model, finds that having a baby does not predict dropping out of high school and that first-time mothers who remain in school are as likely to graduate as other women. Among dropouts, however, a birth reduces chances of eventual graduation. (AF)

After suspension of its football program, Southern Methodist University has established a course, required of athletes, covering such topics as National Collegiate Athletic Association standards and regulations, dealing with agents and media, athletes' rights, the ethics of drug testing, and the significance of race and gender in college sports.…

A study examined the definition of student academic standing and its relationship to several administrative and academic standards (graduation requirements, grading systems, calendars, curricula, probation categories and procedures, requirements for readmission, dean's lists, and graduation rates) at 25 small colleges at six levels of selectivity.…

Although the IB (international baccalaureate) diploma has almost universal acceptance as a college-preparation standard for students studying in foreign countries, Germany and France are reluctant to accept this diploma for nationals studying in their own countries. The German state governments are particularly concerned about quality control and…

A study investigated the relationship of financial aid to persistence/academic performance of 42 medical student recipients of financial aid. Results indicate receipt of aid did not correlate significantly with graduation rate or class rank. Financial aid provided capable students, who could otherwise not afford it, opportunity to attend medical…

Reports on admission requirements and program structures of 102 master's programs in journalism and mass communication. Suggests that master's programs are diverse. (SR)

Analyzes the graduation requirements of 40 community colleges to determine whether their general education requirements match their curricular offerings. Suggests that, in general, colleges do match general education requirements and curricular offerings and that their success assists in student transfer between two- and four-year colleges. (MAB)

A survey of 58 dental school periodontics departments revealed the frequency of predoctoral dental students performing surgery, the frequency of specific procedures, the degree of participation or performance of students, incidence of preclinical surgical laboratories in the curricula, and materials and anesthesia used. A wide range in…

A survey of 12 Canadian ministers of education and 18 colleges found that (1) high school graduation requirements reflect college entrance requirements; (2) the rigid pattern of course requirements for college entrance is not supported by research; and (3) conflicting views on this issue indicate a need for in-depth exploration. (SK)

A Northwestern University (Illinois) medical residency program requires each student to complete a research project. Project goals and structure are specific, but residents may choose any project that is original, ethical, and scientifically sound. So far, one-third of the projects have been published or presented at a regional or national…