A rural school principal from New Zealand participated in a principal exchange program that allowed her to visit various rural schools in Australia. She examined incentives to attract and retain teachers in remote schools, forms of teacher monitoring and appraisal, and the extent to which Australian parents and community members were involved in…

Although African-American students' high school graduation rates has increased during this decade, their enrollment and retention in mainstream higher education institutions has steadily declined, with no national plan to reverse the trend. Study of selected social, economic, and political factors critical to academic success gives some insight…

A sample of 1,237 university students completed the Institutional Barriers Instrument regarding institutional, dispositional, situational, and physical barriers to participation. Factor analysis identified four deterrents: (1) lack of confidence; (2) family responsibilities; (3) institutional encouragement; and (4) time. (SK)

Documents greater teacher attrition in the United Kingdom than previously realized and demands a halt to this trend. Urges increasing teacher managers' awareness of factors diminishing job satisfaction, an important factor influencing decisions to leave the profession. Presents three job satisfaction models used in business with possible…

John N. Gardner, Associate Vice Provost at the University of South Carolina (USC), responds to questions concerning cutbacks and in programs aimed at first-year college students, the role played by USC's Freshman Year Experience course, academic credit for support programs, teacher training for support/developmental courses, teaching style, open…

Comparison of 187 New England Telephone workers participating in a workplace education program of the University of Rhode Island and 187 on-campus students showed them alike in terms of persistence, but workers earned fewer College-Level Examination Program credits and matriculated more slowly. Supportive work environments affected matriculation.…

A discussion of distance education as the fastest-growing instructional pattern in the world looks at enrollment trends and the immediate concerns of the institutions, including student attrition, the need to maintain strong communication links with students, and administrative and logistical problems. (MSE)

A government study of the tuition-guarantee programs emerging in the 1980s, promising college tuition to high school students persisting to graduation, has found the programs to be effective in retaining students. The most successful programs use adult mentors and offer tutoring, beginning as early as fifth grade. (MSE)

Sees need for systematic approach that integrates efforts from both student and academic affairs to provide comprehensive educational experience for development of the whole student. Describes program that combines theory, resources, and interests of both academic and student affairs in strategies designed for academically at-risk first-year…

Research has demonstrated that small groups exert powerful emotional influence on members. Learning group effectiveness in American schools is hindered by groups' short-lived character. Article recommends that American educators stress group persistence by keeping discrete groups of students and teachers together over long time periods, reorganize…

Used student interviews and Richardson's model of three stages an institution goes through as it adapts to diversity to examine one institution's adaptation to diversity and student achievement. Identified five factors critical to student achievement and success through to graduation: opportunity orientation, financial support, academic skills and…

Based on a sample of 46,599 public school teachers, a study investigated the certification status of both special and general education teachers. Results indicated a chronic annual shortage of about 29,000 fully certified teachers in special education, a level that was almost twice the number in general education. (Author/CR)

Examines how a new principal at a historically low-performing high school brought about changes in the school culture and in student achievement. Describes how the principal emphasized achievement at the highest levels through heroes and heroines, rites and rituals, stories, governance and leadership, symbols, enforcing expectations, and serving…

Studies show an average rate of 50% attrition in adult and continuing-education doctoral programs. Institutional and individual barriers may be the cause. Institutional strategies to reduce barriers and prepare students to be proactive and informed participants are needed. (SK)

Describes the strategies and interventions of an Auburn University (Alabama) program designed to aid in retention of at-risk African-American male students and foster skills needed to enter college. Components include mentoring, workshops, and a summer sports program. (Author/MSE)