Investigated factors involved in counseling students' (n=106) endorsement of personal counseling as a requirement for counseling program graduation. Results indicated that 66 percent of students endorsed a counseling requirement for counseling students, but those who endorsed the requirement were not more likely to seek counseling for help with…

A national competition for the design of model programs to help more minorities graduate from four-year colleges and universities has resulted in grants to Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Montana, Ohio, New York, and Tennessee. State plans to develop articulation, transfer, computerized tracking, cooperatives, and financial incentives…

Recent studies in South Australia and Western Australia have shown that approximately one-third of all students fail to graduate, with the largest dropout occurring by the end of the first year of higher education. Research on student retention is discussed and steps to improve retention are suggested. (MLW)

Suggests that legislative involvement in community college operations stems from fiscal responsibility. Describes the structure of higher education in Florida and the development of the College Level Academic Skills Test. Discusses the adoption and results of the Gordon Rule, which establishes English and mathematics requirements for the first two…

Describes an objective test used as the comprehensive examination in a graduate library school and discusses its advantages over essay tests. The topics covered include test construction, the use of item analysis for scoring and test revision, and student reactions to the objective test. (1 reference) (CLB)

Ten factors relevant to the standard-setting decision on important tests (i.e., high school diploma tests) are proposed as a basis for a standard-setting preparation program. It is suggested that, typically, those who set standards have had little or no experience and would benefit from formal preparation. (SLD)

Describes the writing-intensive courses developed at Broome Community College, Rockland Community College, and Kapiolani Community College as graduation requirements to incorporate writing permanently into the curriculum. Reviews the problems experienced at each campus in gaining faculty and student support. (DMM)

Proposed regulations of the U.S. Department of Education would require institutions of higher education to disclose: (1) the graduation rates of full-time degree or certificate-seeking undergraduate students, and (2) statistics on crimes and arrests as well as campus security policies and procedures. Colleges are concerned that this information…

Evaluates the results of the first three years of the national Secondary Education Certificate in Malta to determine its impact on educational equity. The new examinations attempt to offer access, relevance, and appropriate assessments to a wide range of students. There have been some implementation problems, but much has been achieved. (SLD)

The Community College of Denver (Colorado) is the most ethnically diverse higher education institution in Colorado; 60% of its students take remedial instruction. Physically disabled students make up 9% of the student population. Degree-seeking students taking remedial courses are more likely to graduate or transfer to a four-year institution than…

Gender differences in performance on multiple-choice and constructed-response items in mathematics were studied with 3592 11th graders taking a high school graduation examination. Results suggest that gender differences in mathematics may be linked to content and item format, thus supporting the usefulness of a many-faceted Rasch model for…

Reports on establishment of the Alliance for Equity in Higher Education to promote the interests of 175 Hispanic-serving institutions, 118 historically Black colleges and universities, and 31 tribal colleges and universities. The Alliance seeks to increase student financial assistance, promote fair and inclusive college admission standards,…

Although postsecondary participation has soared during the past quarter century, the proportion of college students completing degrees has remained flat. White and higher-income kids graduate at much higher rates than their less advantaged classmates. Public policy's challenge is expanding successful intervention programs to a vastly larger scale.…

Analysis of limited research on evaluation of postgraduate scholarship programs looked at indicators used, focusing on the four most common: awarded diploma; obtained job; obtained related job; and pursuing studies. Several methodological pitfalls in comparing assessment results are identified. Overall, results tend to show scholarship programs…

The issue of state-imposed standards and high-stakes tests for graduation and promotion has polarized communities and school boards. Lawsuits have arisen in Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, Indiana, and California. Although opinion polls still strongly support standards and accountability, a backlash is spreading in some districts. (MLH)