Evaluates a two-week residential program aimed at enhancing the science interest and persistence of high-achieving 8th grade girls. Examines science self-concept and interest, persistence, and aspirations in science, science activities, science course-taking in high school, and plans for a science college major. Discusses differences between…

Proposes a model of doctoral student persistence and attrition in which student participation in the life of the department and discipline lead to increased student integration which is crucial for student success. Discusses students' obstacles to participation and implications for the retention of mathematics doctoral students. (Author/KHR)

Reentry women generally face formidable barriers to educational success: they have primary responsibility for family matters; they suffer a disproportionate amount of stress, guilt, and anxiety; and their success is often dependent on family support. The article chronicles the empowerment that one woman found through her experience at a community…

Examines student reactions to new fee levels for distance education courses in order to understand how fees, and their possible reimbursement by employers, impact on student persistence--based on experiences at the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand. Discusses completion rates, attrition in distance learning, employer support, and financial…

Examines the perceptions of presidents, directors of retention, and directors of minority student affairs regarding the importance of 18 functions listed in a standards manual for minority student programs. Assesses the past, current, and future importance of offices of minority student affairs in improving retention rates, as perceived by these…

Data from the U.S. Current Population Survey and the Schools and Staffing Survey indicate that the average public school teacher is 42 years old, female, and white, with a bachelor's degree, 15 years of teaching experience, and an annual salary of $39,346. About 74 percent of teachers surveyed plan to stay in teaching as long as possible, 69…

In South Carolina, 10,169 individuals with mental retardation were served by the state disability agency and 22.7% were employed during 1997-2000, with 68% keeping their job for more than 1 year. Food service, manufacturing, disability services, grocery, and retail companies employed the majority of those who worked at least 3 years. (Contains…

Describes some institutional programs that have been successful in increasing the academic persistence of Latino college students and outlines steps that will make an institution's programs serve as catalysts for positive change. Hiring and retaining faculty and staff of color is beneficial to all students and helps increase Latino persistence.…

Interviews with 45 British adults returning to education found that, although guidance is available, many are unaware or do not seek it. They expressed satisfaction regarding relationships with tutors, although they were critical of the level of support given by some tutors. (SK)

Assesses African American freshman and sophomore students' decisions to remain in school and their opinions about specific programs designed to increase academic engagement. Results indicate that the opinion of family members was ranked as most important in supporting students' decision to remain in school. Primary barriers were related to family…

Studied prediction of college freshman performance and graduation in U.S. colleges by examining aggregated data at the institutional level for 1,429 4-year institutions. Results suggest that persistence to graduation as a characteristic of student populations at a college can be predicted better than persistence at the individual level at a given…

Reviews four types of student retention models identified in the literature (i.e., psychological, economic, organizational, and interactional). Describes and offers examples of four levels of developmental education programs, and identifies eight critical pedagogical components of developmental education. (DMM)

Examined validity of Standard Aptitude Test scores and Non-Cognitive Questionnaire (NCQ) in predicting grades and persistence for Black, Mexican-American, and White freshmen. Results revealed that noncognitive dimensions were not predictive of college grades or persistence for Black students, nor for persistence for Mexican-American students. NCQ…

Utilizes a sample of 386 Black college students to examine academic persistence among undergraduate and graduate students. Finds that the two groups were similar in terms of precollege experiences and characteristics but differed in experiences while in college. (FMW)

Examined 600 student and 300 faculty perceptions of the environment at the University of Wyoming as it relates to student retention and attrition. Results suggest that perceptions of persistors and subsequent dropouts differ less than expected. (TE)