This digest focuses on the importance of learning assistance centers (LACs) to academic success and student retention. LACs differ from learning resource centers, which mainly provide and disseminate educational information. They also differ from development education offices, which give emphasis to teaching basic skills and preparing students for…

There is a popular view that arithmetic is only a collection of dull algorithms containing no interesting ideas. However, if one goes a little below the surface, it will become apparent that there are many fascinating ideas waiting to be discovered. The paper tries to show that mathematical ideas can be recognized and understood without the use of…

This paper describes a longitudinal case study that examined the various products that a primary grade student created as he co-researched with his teacher how to implement self-selected science inquiry in a suburban first grade classroom in New Jersey. Transcriptions of science presentations and interviews, parent and student reflection, and the…

Recent passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has rekindled debates on the responsibilities of postsecondary institutions to serve students with disabilities. This book provides a comprehensive guide to an institutional response to the ADA. It gives practical advice for responding to students and professionals with disabilities, and…

The purpose of this study was to develop a mentor program for Latino students in the College Discovery Program at Borough of Manhattan Community College. The mentor program was intended to address some of the needs experienced by Latino students and to improve retention rates. This paper describes the process involved in developing the mentor…

This booklet describes a study that helped clarify the current status of community college efforts in defining and documenting student acquisition of 21st Century Skills (general education skills). This study is traced through four stages: (1) an exploratory focus group involving presidents from ten U.S. community colleges recognized as leaders in…

This monograph offers a view into how students at one university regard their undergraduate education. The study is based on essays written by college seniors as part of a comprehensive assessment of general education at the University of Kansas. A sample of students completed a self-assessment, were interviewed by faculty, and were asked to…

This report documents student outcomes in developmental English and mathematics courses at Germanna Community College (Virginia) for the academic years 1994-95 through 1999-2000. It provides data to answer three questions: What proportion of students enroll in developmental courses? What is the success rate for students enrolled in developmental…

This report summarizes a 3-year dialogue among educators, administrators, students, boards, committees, parents, and project researchers launched by the Friends Council on Education to study moral growth in Friends high schools. Steering committees were established in each of the 24 participating Quaker high schools across the country and surveys…

This monograph on learning communities and the first-year college experience presents 12 chapters which combine theory with examples of good practice and recommendations for building and sustaining effective learning communities. Following an introduction by the editor, the included chapters are: (1) "What Are Learning Communities?"…

This paper discusses how today's children must be prepared to meet the challenge of the information age, stressing the importance of cultivating the whole child and noting the teacher's role in this endeavor. The first section describes basic education in China, focusing on required schooling, the curriculum, textbooks, examinations, and moral…

This guide presents the Future Farmers of America (FFA) 2000 Model of Innovation award winners' projects. Chapters demonstrated abilities to identify goals and objectives, create a workable plan of action, attain and evaluate results, and identify items learned and ways to improve. Chapter 1 discusses the FFA National Chapter Award program that…

Analyzes data collected from student and faculty groups which indicate that case method instruction in engineering is of more educational value than other teaching methods. A study to measure changes in students due to case work experience is underway and will be reported on later. (WM)

Describes a unique one-semester, one-credit course which provides orientation to the University community, academic advising, values clarification and vocational planning, skill renewal exercises, and personal counseling to re-entry students. Continuing feedback underscores the relevance of such a holistic approach to student needs. (Author/JAC)

Most major urban boards across Canada have expressed interest in schools for the arts. The principal concern expressed by educators, and especially music educators, is the potentialy negative effect brought about by the loss of students and their leadership on the programs in the general school. (BRR)