Finds that people who switched from science to nonscience majors at four-year colleges and universities left for the same reasons that "persisters" were discontented with their educational experience. Examines criticisms of the structure of science, mathematics, and engineering education, and the loss of women and minorities. (LZ)

This response to a review essay on the limited presence of African American teachers suggests that the original work leaves out some issues surrounding teacher recruitment and retention and leaves some empirical work and interpretations unexamined. The examination of such "crises" in education is a promising avenue for research. (SLD)

A study estimated effects of a $150 fee increase per semester, without aid package adjustments, on within-year persistence at a large urban university. Institutional enrollment projections were accomplished using price-response measures derived from earlier research. It was found that both undergraduate and graduate student enrollment were…

A study investigated the effect of emergency loans of up to $275 on retention among 504 loan applicants (347 granted and 157 denied) at 1 university. Results indicate the loans had little or no effect on the likelihood of a student remaining in college. (Author/MSE)

Research suggests that addition or expansion of a comprehensive student activities program at community colleges can lower the high student attrition rate and the cost of constant recruitment. Although increased emphasis on comprehensive extracurricular activities can be expensive in personnel and other resources, it may be a worthwhile…

Catholic colleges and universities have a significantly higher graduation rate for both African-American and white athletes than do other major sports institutions. Attention given to individual students, large African-American enrollments in the mostly urban institutions, and church and institutional commitment to education as a social…

This study of 174 students graduating from 11 small rural high schools in Iowa found that students felt themselves well prepared by their schools, that 80 percent went on to postsecondary education, and that most of these achieved a degree. Results are discussed with regard to the influence of the rural school and community in facilitating…

Investigates whether congruence in value perspectives distinguishes science-able students who persist in science from those who do not. Results with 173 undergraduates with high commitment and ability in science confirm the associations between value congruence and science persistence. For all students, justice is the dominant perspective…

Investigated learning style characteristics of adult community college students. Compared to students (n=113) with other decision-making styles, dependent decision makers (n=31) appeared to have reduced motivation for learning, limited persistence, and less acceptance of responsibility for their learning. Findings suggest these characteristics be…

In Australia, several governments are providing direct financial grants to students from low-income families to encourage school continuation through grade 12. This paper examines the potential role one scheme (ASTUDY) plays in student decision making about school continuation. Data suggest that the prospect of obtaining a grant did not…

A study examined the results of 14 major longitudinal studies of student educational attainment for evidence of specific effects of community colleges in the attainment of bachelor's degrees by students, controlling for differences in student characteristics. Results suggest that community college students are less likely to achieve bachelor's…

Uses a case study model to investigate the Wright State University Teacher Leader Program. Discusses the demographic profile of classroom teachers enrolled in this outreach graduate program, describes how the program has responded to the needs of employed and distant teacher learners, and offers suggestions concerning the knowledge, skills,…

Assesses the comparative value of positive lifestyle changes in experimental and control groups of pregnant African American adolescent high school students to determine whether negative outcomes of early childbearing could be prevented. Experimental group students, who were provided several interventions, avoided negative childbearing outcomes…

Presents 12 practices that child care directors can use to motivate teachers. (BB)

Of 115 adult literacy students interviewed, 59 were contacted 8 months later to collect data on characteristics, academic and social integration, program and goal commitment, and withdrawal decisions. Factor and discriminant analyses identified 14 variables that accurately predicted the present status of 76 percent of completers, persisters, and…