Cohorts of entering freshmen were tracked over time to determine whether the suspension policy at Montana State University (MSU), Bozeman was having the intended effect on academic success, defined as degree completion. The university's current policy requires students to be suspended after receiving grade point averages (GPAs) of lower than 2.00…

This report presents the findings from the 1999-2000 Germanna Community College Student Outcomes Assessment. First, remedial education was evaluated through an analysis of placement score and enrollment in developmental courses. Findings from this area include: (1) about 60% of students were recommended for developmental coursework, and only 60%…

This study examined the effects of an introductory counseling course on retention rates of students at Western Kentucky University (WKU). Rates of graduation after 4, 5, and 6 years for 400 freshmen and 474 sophomores enrolled in an academic orientation and preparation course between 1990 and 1994 were compared with WKU and regional rates during…

This monograph addresses issues and programs to meet the specific needs of college sophomores. The first chapter, authored by the volume's editors, introduces the following papers and is titled, "What Is the Sophomore Slump and Why Should We Care?" The next eight chapters are: (1) "Meeting the Challenges of the Sophomore Year"…

The "State Policy on Transfer", adopted in 1991, continues to be highly effective in helping students transfer from two-year to four-year institutions. In addition, the policy has promoted cooperation between institutions, most of which have progressed beyond questions of policy compliance to practices that facilitate equitable admission…

This paper claims that transfer is increasing in popularity among community college students due to a re-emphasis of importance by community college administrators, more convenient transfer policies and procedures, and beneficial credit transfer. Research for this position was conducted at Tulsa Community College (Oklahoma). The research included…

Between 1970 and 2001, women went from being the minority to the majority of the U.S. undergraduate population, increasing their representation from 42 percent to 56 percent of undergraduates (Freeman 2004). Projections to 2013 indicate that women's undergraduate enrollment will increase to 8.9 million or 57 percent of the undergraduate population…

Although research indicates that adults with low literacy skills need 100 to 150 hours of instruction to advance one grade level, adults in literacy programs participate in instruction for an average of only 70 hours per year. The Wallace Foundation launched the Literacy in Libraries Across America (LILAA) initiative in 1996 to help library-based…

Two of the most important indicators of the educational system's success are the rates that young people complete and drop out of school each year. The Common Core of Data (CCD) survey system of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) annually collects information about public school dropouts and completers. This report presents the…

One of the fundamental truths of education is that effective schools are created and sustained largely through effective leadership. While it is possible for strong leaders to help a school overcome problems and weaknesses, rarely is it possible for a school to rise above its leadership in order to achieve success. Both education lore and research…

Although data may be limited due to types of questionnaires employed (self reporting), it appears that favorable counselor client ratios are related to favorable rates of completion. Need for study on evening students is indicated. (Author)

Analysis of computer-run personal data indicates that perceptions are affected by personal characteristics and environment, and that interaction of all three in motivation to remain in seminary is extremely complex. Suggests direction of future research. (CJ)

A research-based model of the factors that influence teacher attrition or retention is presented. Variables in four areas are discussed: (1) teacher characteristics; (2) teacher training and work experience; (3) professional and social integration; and (4) career satisfaction. The model reflects the social learning theory of career development.…

This study extended the knowledge of the explanatory power of Tinto's theoretical model of college persistence/withdrawal through a multi-institutional validation. Path analysis was used to test the model overall and at three different groupings of postsecondary institutions: four-year, predominantly residential; and four-year, and two-year,…

Highlights evidence concerning teacher preparation and recruitment, including academic ability, entry and retention in teaching, mismatched supply and demand, inadequate rewards, quality, and controversy in teacher education programs and approaches to reform. (SK)