This study is based upon responses to questionnaires sent in December 1956 to chairmen of departments of anthropology, economics, history, political science, and sociology in a sample of 319 institutions of higher education. The survey just completed provides the first data ever assembled on a large scale of social science requirements for…

The Common Core of Data (CCD) Nonfiscal surveys consist of data on the status of public elementary and secondary education submitted annually to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) by state education agencies (SEAs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,…

The task for those recognizing the importance of foreign language and international studies is to demonstrate to Americans why it makes economic and political sense to invest part of the defense budget in the tools necessary to help Americans talk to, understand, and trade with the rest of the world. (MSE)

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside's comprehensive collegiate skills program is described from proposal to implementation. Junior year students must demonstrate competence in: writing, reading, mathematics, research paper writing, and library skills. (MLW)

Many states are turning to minimum-competency testing at the secondary school level. Although at least 17 states have enacted legislation that sets minimum-competency standards for graduation from public high schools, the basic skills testing movement at the postsecondary level is still in its infancy. (MLW)

Survey results from 50 state education agencies and the District of Columbia about secondary school reform show 88 percent have developed an improvement effort. Text and four tables present responses to the following topics: major impetus for the reform effort, funding for support, graduation requirements, testing programs, teacher certification…

Data from a major study of secondary classroom dynamics (120 high schools, 893 classrooms) compare comprehensive, area vocational, and vocational specialty schools on seven characteristics: numbers and types of program offerings, teacher experience and training, business-industry linkages, currency of facilities, counseling services, increased…

A National Collegiate Athletic Association report on athletes' graduation rates provides data that can support either side of the debate over academic standards. Rising academic requirements for incoming athletes may cause higher graduation rates, but may also force blacks out of sports in disproportionate numbers. Graduation data for 1987-88 and…

The influence of test wiseness on the performance of 736 high school seniors in British Columbia on provincial school leaving examinations in English, algebra, geography, history, biology, and chemistry was studied. The performance of many students on the multiple-choice sections was spuriously enhanced by test wiseness. (TJH)

Two studies involving adolescents with disabilities examined secondary and transition practices. Findings indicate that career-related work experience and completion of student-identified transition goals were highly associated with improved graduation and employment outcomes. Individualization of services around student goals and personalized…

School accountability report cards generally focus on standardized test scores, dropout/graduation rates, and postgraduation plans. Citizens also want information on safety, teacher qualifications, and average class size. Administrators should define their audience, clarify purpose, carefully select indicators, and consider format, presentation,…

Describes a partnership between university education faculty and an urban public alternative high school. University faculty worked closely with teachers and students to increase students' chances of graduating. The research-based program was based on effective schools research and instructional best practices. The program resulted in real…

This report summarizes short-term impacts of the Quantum Opportunity Program (QOP) demonstration, which helped at-risk high school-age youth graduate and enroll in postsecondary education or training. QOP involved intensive case management and mentoring emphasizing after school supplemental academic education, developmental activities, and…

A qualitative case study of 17 high-school students identified as at risk for dropping out, this research develops a grounded theory describing the process of students' persistence and the support they received from teachers and school administrators. Three interactive factors appear critical to persistence: (a) goal orientation--students' belief…

This chapter analyzes whether Hispanics and Hispanic immigrants in the City University of New York system have the same levels of access and achievement as other racial and ethnic populations. (Contains 3 tables.)