An econometric model that allows any institution to study the effect of financial aid and other variables on within-year persistence of college students is described. It is concluded that total amount of aid and the amounts of grants and loans received are significant in promoting persistence. (Author/MSE)

First-semester grades positively effected the extent to which favorable self-concept influenced persistence in college for over 1,000 undergraduates. No significant associations were found between initial grades and changes in persistence-relevant preferences. Associations between grades and personal norms were measure-dependent. (SLD)

Discussion of user persistence in displaying postings from an online catalog focuses on a study at the University of Illinois at Chicago that compared results of an earlier study of user persistence with a recent study of users and their online catalog, LUIS. Results of questionnaires and transaction log analysis are reported. (LRW)

A study of 740 first-year university students found a strong positive correlation between students' college choice, subsequent expectations of the institution, and intent to stay at or leave the university. It is suggested that processes occurring before matriculation are as significant as the college social and academic environment or external…

An exploratory methodology is presented for analyzing teacher survival data and detecting/documenting involuntary layoffs as an influence on teacher employment. Employment data for over 14,000 teachers hired between 1969 and 1981 in St. Louis (Missouri) illustrate that mandated staff reductions were key factors in teacher employment trends. (TJH)

This commentary calls for increased efforts toward recruiting and retaining quality people in the field of special education. The use of sophisticated marketing techniques is encouraged, as well as initiatives by businesses such as providing sabbaticals for business professionals to allow them to spend a year team teaching. (JDD)

Examined factors relating to student success or failure after transfer from programs for underprepared students at four-year colleges and from two-year community colleges to senior college. Findings from 143 transfer students revealed that large numbers of students did not graduate. Academically successful first semester and number of credits…

A study of 352 social work students (predominantly from minority group backgrounds and admitted to an undergraduate social work program between 1980 and 1987) examined factors contributing to retention or attrition and possible strategies for reaching out to students at risk. The report is described, and the research methodology is presented as a…

Using discriminant analysis, a study examined (1) the extent to which the new Student Adjustment to College Questionnaire (SACQ) accurately predicts student departure for a private, comprehensive university (n=1,978 students); (2) SACQ items distinguishing nonpersisters; (3) use with an incoming class; and (4) evidence linking the SACQ with…

This research examined the career paths of 2,700 former special educators hired by Michigan public schools between 1972 and 1985. An estimated 34% of the former educators reentered a Michigan classroom within five years of leaving, and an estimated 58% of these stayed for more than seven years. (Author/JDD)

A study of students formerly enrolled (n=198) and currently enrolled (n=282) in an undergraduate engineering program found that students' present characteristics and situations were more predictive of persistence than past or future factors; and few differences between men and women emerged. The best overall predictor of persistence was grade…

Two prediction models using age and entry-level reading and math scores to differentiate completers and noncompleters were tested with 1,319 community college adult basic education students. Persisters and dropouts were not homogeneous groups; for example, General Educational Development completers differed from other completers, and early and…

Forty 17- to 18-year-old subjects scoring above or below a sample median on the Beck Depression Inventory participated in a controlled study to assess their reactions to solvable and unsolvable problems with and without the interference of noise. Under helpless and nonhelpless conditions, depressive symptomatology affected problem-solving ability,…

Interviews with 18 registered nurses elicited 7 themes describing participation in baccalaureate programs. Findings identified a new participation variable--commitment--and demonstrated the role of life transitions in making the time right to pursue a degree. Sources of power, load factors, and effect of margin size on persistence (McClusky's…

Industrialized nations are increasingly concerned with school systems' attainment of academic excellence goals. In less developed countries, research has not fully explored environmental influences on student achievement. This paper examines the effects of classroom management and teaching practices on student achievement in four Caribbean…