A series of studies at one university based on annual data from 1973-88 compared sophomore return rates of participants vs. nonparticipants in freshman orientation seminars. Participants achieved significantly higher return rates in 11 of 16 years but not because they were brighter or more highly motivated students. (Author/MSE)

It is argued that public investment in student financial aid should be evaluated based on tax revenue returns resulting from the expenditure. A model for estimating tax revenue returns from gains in educational attainment attributable to student aid is developed, and impact of aid on access and persistence is examined. (Author/MSE)

A study of 187 students reinstated to the College of Education at Iowa State University from 1981 to 1987 showed that a student's previous academic deficit in college and classification (grade level) are characteristics significantly related to success on reentry. Suggestions for enhancing persistence and success are offered. (Author/MSE)

This survey of accredited Registered Nurse Baccalaureate Degree programs in the United States sought to determine the status of retention efforts at these institutions. Results showed that the presence of retention programs at colleges and universities with nursing programs increased the retention rate significantly. (TE)

Johnes and Taylor refute the criticisms of McPherson and Paterson on their paper about undergraduate noncompletion rates. Criticism centered on the use of the mean A-level scores of entrants as a measure of academic ability, definition of noncompletion, and omission of student/staff ratios. (MLW)

In a study of the accuracy of Tinto's model of student attrition among 253 underprepared community college students, 4 exogenous variables (family background, precollege schooling, getting ready, and encouragement from significant others), 3 endogenous variables (initial commitment, academic integration, and social integration), and previously…

Teacher education programs should be based on a developmental process that individualizes professional learning and continues long enough to produce well-qualified professionals. This process could enable a carefully selected individual to become initially qualified enough to survive the early pressures and to serve for many years as a truly…

This article discusses problems of beginning teachers and suggests two categories of solutions: increased support during the initial year and increased involvement of principals in the preservice preparation program. Several responsibilities for principals in relation to student teaching are recommended. (IAH)

Examines feelings of alienation, attitudes toward college and teachers, academic achievement, and expectations of graduation among 87 American Indian and 508 White students at a predominantly White college. Concludes that alienation is common among American Indian students and affects grade point average more than other factors studied. Contains…

Compares course completion rates for students enrolled in sections of a required first-year writing course taught in a microcomputer laboratory/classroom to the course completion rates for pen-and-paper sections of the same course. Finds higher course completion rates for students enrolled in the microcomputer sections. (RS)

A study of applicants to an urban public university investigated the effect of scholarship size on attendance and persistence, impact of scholarship students on the school, and potential effects of different distributions of scholarship funds. Results suggest institutions using large scholarships should examine yield and persistence rates. (MSE)

Results of an annual National Collegiate Athletic Association survey provide information on the two-year persistence rate of freshman scholarship athletes in Division II and III institutions. Persistence data are presented for Division II 1991-92 freshmen (all students and scholarship athletes) by gender and racial/ethnic group. (MSE)

Discusses factors affecting the retention and attrition of nontraditional students and the role that college administration and faculty should play in providing the necessary services for nontraditional students. Discusses implications for admissions, financial aid, orientation, academic advising and counseling, learning assistance programs,…

Relationships between personality variables and entrance into and persistence in engineering and racial differences in personality profiles of engineering students were studied for 129 freshmen in engineering and 85 persisting engineering students. Results suggest that personality differences play a vital role in persistence but that racial…

Discusses the relationship between prior computer experiences and the linear or nonlinear steps students choose when working with hypermedia environments and time spent on task (based on a study of graduate students). Experience with content-area software, word processing, databases, spreadsheets, programming, hypermedia, and authoring are…