Describes a study that uses multiple regression analysis to identify factors associated with attrition as well as discriminant analysis to develop a profile of high-risk students before they start classes. Results show that being placed on academic probation was the best predictor of whether a student would leave school. Includes one data table.…

Describes the 21st Century Program at the University of Michigan, a program to address issues of academic achievement and student retention in higher education. The conceptual basis for this program comes from C. Steele's work that finds that there are disruptive pressures tied to racial stereotypes that in turn diminish academic performance. (SLD)

Discusses research used to support findings from the U.S. Secretary of Education's report, "Meeting the Highly Qualified Teacher Challenge," and suggests that different conclusions would derive from a well-grounded rendering of the evidence. Examines four propositions (among them, teachers who have completed teacher education programs…

Relates how a Native American single mother and former drug user turned her life around and went to college to become a substance abuse therapist. During therapy groups with other Native Americans, she promotes healing by stressing the importance of family, parenting, self-esteem, and relationships, as opposed to focusing on the participant's…

Four Native American graduate students from Harvard University discuss experiences that led them to pursue advanced degrees, challenges they have experienced in higher education, the relevance of their cultures and languages to their education, the racism encountered in their college careers, and resources they have created to help support them in…

A survey was sent to 106 African American doctoral recipients in sport and exercise science disciplines. Of these, 74, or 69.8% responded. Data analysis indicated that most respondents were extrinsically motivated to enroll. Persistence was influenced by institutional factors like financial aid and academic support services. (SM)

Using self-determination theory, the authors tested a motivational model to explain the conditions under which rural students formulate their intentions to persist in, versus drop out of, high school. Analyses showed that the provision of autonomy support within classrooms predicted students' self-determined motivation and perceived competence.…

Suggests that the quality of cultural resilience enables some Native American students to overcome difficulties and complete their education. Identifies these cultural factors as spirituality, family strength, elders, ceremonial rituals, oral traditions, tribal identity, and support networks. Describes the Family Education Model developed by…

A 10-year comparison of graduates from 4- and 5-year teacher education programs reveals that 5-year graduates enter teaching at higher rates and stay in teaching longer. They are happier with their careers, judge their teacher preparation as better, and rate their teaching abilities higher than do their 4-year counterparts. (IAH)

Summarizes reports on the status of Hispanics at California State University and the University of California. Discusses Californians rapidly growing young Hispanic population; Hispanic student access, enrollment, persistence, and graduation; and the hiring, retention, and promotion of Hispanic faculty and administrators. Contains 18 references.…

A study of 535 students in probation or suspension status at the University of Toledo's University College, 77 percent of whom were adults, revealed patterns of enrollment, transfer, attendance, course load, and course completion. The results are presented and a special intervention program created after the study is described briefly. (MSE)

Presents a research-based model of student persistence. Concludes that high school academic achievement, needs for financial aid and employment, day/evening status, goal commitment, and expected student/college fit have primary effects on persistence, while background characteristics and academic self-confidence have secondary effects. Explains…

Studies higher education practices to recruit and retain Hispanic women. Examines college experiences of two classifications of Hispanic women at University of California: those who had attended private or specialized public schools and those who attended general private or public schools. Suggests Hispanics not readily accepted, causing low…

The grade-point averages, Medical College Admission Test scores, and Student Progress Committee ratings of 75 minority students who had attended a preparatory program at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine were analyzed to determine how these variables related to the retention and progress of these students in medical school.…

Recent studies in South Australia and Western Australia have shown that approximately one-third of all students fail to graduate, with the largest dropout occurring by the end of the first year of higher education. Research on student retention is discussed and steps to improve retention are suggested. (MLW)