Building from Holland's theory of career choice, this study investigated differences between individuals who started in and remain in teaching, and those who subsequently changed careers. The two groups differed in their self-rated skills and abilities and in the importance they assigned to selected criteria of success. (Author/BW)

A survey of students in the community and technical colleges and four-year college of the University of Akron showed withdrawal often occurred because of job conflicts, financial problems, and need for a temporary break. Nonpersisters would have been encouraged by improved counseling and advising, financial aid, and instruction. Persisters would…

The present level of competence in teaching and the quality of teacher education are discussed. More emphasis should be placed on graduate professional education programs, which would draw the "best and the brightest." Eight recommendations for improving preservice teacher education are given, including creation of a teaching doctorate and…

A Latin American scholar suggests that the U.S. system for correspondence and audiovisual education has potential for an international effort to improve distance education in Latin America. Special considerations for Latin American populations, communications, and logistics and experiences in developing such programs at Pennsylvania State…

Path analysis was used to provide a comprehensive test of the validity of Tinto's causal model of voluntary withdrawal from a postsecondary institution. This study also tests Tinto's hypothesis of compensatory interactions between social and academic integration and between institutional and goal commitment. (Author/PN)

A five-year longitudinal student flow analysis was conducted on students who first enrolled in a two-year college's noncredit continuing education classes. Over half of this group reenrolled at least once during the five years, and 49 percent of these persisters enrolled in a college credit course. (Author/MLW)

A study examining the extent of job dissatisfaction among female elementary school teachers found that 40 percent would not rechoose teaching for a career. Working conditions and new career options for women were cited as reasons for their dissatisfaction. (PP)

A study to test the connection between "A" level grades and age at entry with degree performance at Oxford Polytechnic is reported. "A" level grades were found to be of little value in predicting degree performance. (MLW)

It is thought that when college education is viewed only as a consumer product, it may suffer the same fate as television programing, which continues to diminish in quality as it strives to conform to public taste. The attitudes and experiences of St. John's College are examined. (Author/MLW)

The Preadmission Counseling Program produces better informed students and fewer no-shows from application to matriculation. The home visit group had the greatest "show" rate and were better persisters. The resources committed produced a good investment. (JAC)

In 1972 self-improvement and education were equally cited reasons for continuing education. By 1978, three-fourths of the respondents had continued their education but only half had reached the level planned in 1972. Self-improvement was the main reason for continuing. Very few cited encouragement from others. (JAC)

Surveyed 1,107 African American college freshman about their perceptions of academic preparation, expected grade point average, expected graduation year, personal and social preparation for the new environment, and areas of needed help. Most had positive perceptions and expectations that were somewhat unrealistic. Implications for student…

Most college and university retention programs do little to change the quality of academic experience for students, especially during the first critical year of college. One of the most promising reforms is establishment of "learning communities," which feature block scheduling to enable students to take classes together, are organized…

The academic records of 562 students who had requested counseling for personal concerns during a one-year period were examined after a two-year interval to determine academic outcome. Analyses showed that students receiving counseling enjoyed a 14% retention advantage over noncounseled students. (RJM)

Previously performed analyses of the relationship between college choice and persistence in both public and private colleges and universities illustrate the direct and indirect effects of financial factors that influence college choice and subsequent persistence decisions, and the direct effects of the actual dollar amounts of costs and financial…