The author asserts that as attrition rates across the country continue to increase, colleges must examine and evaluate programs that contribute to the problem. Educational delivery systems, such as tracking, contribute to attrition and risk because they stimulate negative self-concepts in students, foster resentment and misconduct, and do not…

Provides definitions of assessment and evaluation, with particular attention to how each may be used to gauge a program's effectiveness. Offers suggestions for using assessment and valuative data proactively to empower students of color and to effect institutional change. Suggests strategies for implementing effective program assessment and…

Using a five-year longitudinal study, examines psychosocial factors related to the academic persistence of 288 American Indian college students. Findings indicate that academic preparation and aspirations, academic performance, and interactions with faculty and staff best differentiated between students who persisted in school and those who did…

States that student retention is significant for measuring institutional effectiveness in the prevailing environment of accountability and budgetary constraints. Presents recommendations for increasing retention, including training staff on retention issues, reviewing admission and advising strategies affecting minority populations, and piloting…

Students on varying degrees of academic probation were randomly assigned to one of three intervention strategies that incorporated controlled content but divergent levels of intrusiveness. The most intrusive intervention resulted in higher cumulative grade point averages and higher retention rates. Students with the highest risk of dismissal were…

Describes a study conducted at Athabasca University (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) that investigated the relationship between persistence, life events, external commitments, and resiliency in undergraduate distance education. Used scores from the Resiliency Attitudes Scale (RAS), the Life Events Inventory, and a questionnaire relating to external…

Focuses on the scope and significance of community college student research as it pertains to student retention. Examines the theoretical models that explain and attempt to predict student attrition. Also suggests areas and opportunities for future researchers in the field. (Contains 57 references.) (NB)

Reviews literature on retention as it relates explicitly to women and people of color, finding that despite gains made in enrollment, these students seem to have a particularly difficult time completing degrees. Reflects on key variables that affect persistence in this group and institutional responses. Discusses the need for curricular reform and…

A collective case study approach was used to examine factors that influence the job retention of persons with vision loss. Computer technology was found to be a major positive influence and print access and technology were a source of stress for most participants (n=10). (Contains 7 references.) (Author/CR)

The study examined the persistence of problems resulting from learning disabilities during school-age years (retrospectively) and in adult years. A rating scale of characteristics of learning disabilities was given to 133 adults identified as learning disabled in school and highly or moderately successful in employment. Persistence of problem…

Associations among background, commitment levels, institutional involvement, and student persistence were studied for 260 out of 323 early college dropouts. The model of attrition developed by V. Tinto (1975) was applied. Student persistence was found to vary by motivational type and student's psychosocial orientation to college. (SLD)

Discusses demographic statistics that reveal a declining number of African American students entering American colleges and universities, along with a disproportionately high attrition rate for those who do. Suggests that the focus on retention of these students is insufficient; programs are needed to help minority students progress to degree…

Orientation at the graduate level can serve many functions such as reducing anxiety, familiarizing students with new academic challenges, and orienting students' spouses. It can also improve student retention, satisfaction, and success. Guidelines for developing programs responsive to graduate students' diverse needs are offered. (Author/MSE)

Allegations that the most able teachers intend to leave teaching were challenged by qualitative and quantitative data collected from prospective teachers completing their credentialling diploma at the University of Queensland. A multiple classification analysis showed that those who were confident of promotion, committed to and satisfied by…

Intrusive interventions with second semester freshmen on probation is a concept of deliberate intervention in order to enhance student motivation to utilize structured assistant modes. A three-point theoretical model of intrusive advising is presented and an example of a successful framework used at Old Dominion University is described.…