Discusses some of the conceptual problems underlying distinctions between native and nonnative speaker, between foreign and second language learners, and the related difficulty of eliciting valid and reliable data about language background. Problems are illustrated with reference to a scheme developed in Australia involving the classification of…

Evidence from 100 women in women-only reentry courses suggested that any form of assessment and credit may deter the target audience. Assessment imposes requirements that may reduce program effectiveness. Noncredit programs for disadvantaged women are recommended. (SK)

Explores the divide among those who study higher education policy over whether preparation or money is the primary obstacle to college attendance for underprivileged students; federal policies could hinge on which side of the debate is favored. (EV)

In this study we examined and compared the determinants of first-to-second-year persistence for 1,167 first-generation and 3,017 continuing-generation students at four-year institutions, using data from the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Survey (Wine, et al., 2002). Because first-generation students are over represented in the most…

Uses Bernstein's theory of pedagogic discourse to examine interview accounts of educational disadvantage provided by Samoan paraprofessionals in secondary schools in Queensland (Australia). Finds that Samoan paraprofessionals attributed educational disadvantage to the arbitrary organization of students, knowledge, and spaces in schooling…

To investigate teachers' beliefs about critical-thinking (CT) activities for different populations of learners, the Critical Thinking Belief Appraisal (CTBA) was administered to 145 practicing secondary teachers. Teachers rated both high-CT and low-CT activities as more effective for high advantage learners than low advantage ones, demonstrating…

In a survey of 30 Mid-Atlantic Region education leaders, improving the achievement of No Child Left Behind subgroups (low-income students, students with limited English proficiency, students with disabilities, and students in major racial and ethnic groups) was the top priority in Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey, despite concerns about the…

This study used survival analysis (also called event history analysis) to investigate how long specially admitted students at Northern Illinois University persist, in which year of their education they are most likely to leave, and if the risk of leaving school is affected by personal and academic background characteristics. Specially admitted…

Using the results of model gifted and talented projects in Ohio (32 during Fiscal Year 1992-93 and 31 during 1994-95), this report provides information to local education agencies to improve the identification of and delivery of services to students who are gifted. Alternative identification strategies such as using a multifactored assessment are…

This book provides a sociological and historical analysis of the evolution and demise of a state college's educational opportunity program, the goal of which was to compensate for unequal pre-college education and provide equal opportunities for economically and educationally disadvantaged students. The program was an example of a special…

The Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 (IASA) was signed into law on October 20, 1994, as P.L. 103-382. The legislation reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) through fiscal year 1999. The ESEA authorizes most federal elementary and secondary education programs, including the Title I program to provide…

This manual is designed to help rural Chapter 1 program staff effectively run their programs. Upon reviewing the history of the Chapter 1 legislation and program, the document stresses program design, evaluation, and improvement as three easy ways to understanding the Chapter 1 program. Program design should determine the district eligibility for…

Testimonies, prepared statements, and supplementary materials presented at a hearing on the role of business in educational reform and implications of the Hawkins-Stafford Amendments of 1988 are compiled in this document. Findings from a survey of state Chapter 1 coordinators are provided, as well as information about the American Business…

This interim process evaluation report focuses on the impact of funding cuts on Boston's 1981-82 Title I program, possible areas for further cutbacks, and several policy issues. Results of questionnaires completed by administrators, teachers, and paraprofessionals as well as interviews and classroom observations were all used in the evaluation.…

Conducted in two phases, this study compared students' affective characteristics (locus of control, academic motivation, and self concept) at schools that were identified as either more effective or less effective. In phase one, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders from seven Title I schools in a New England city (n=1,373) were tested on ability and…