Based on a survey of former California State University students who repaid (224) or defaulted on (128) loans, an analysis found high levels of significance in postsecondary outcome variables (graduation, employment and income patterns), institutional practices and characteristics, student background characteristics, and understanding of rights…

Identifies outcomes that an assessment program oriented to black students in higher education can reasonably be expected to produce. Components of a database on which retention decisions and actions may be developed are explored. Valid assessment may be the key to designing effective retention plans. (SLD)

A survey of 351 secondary distance education students (181 responses) found significant relationships between 2 academic variables (educational goals and study time) and academic persistence; no relationship between family assistance and persistence; significant relationship between attitudes toward tutors and persistence; and no relationship for…

Washington statewide data indicate that attrition rates did not differ between rural and urban special educators, but were twice as high for rural special educators as general educators. Interviews with special educators focus on soaring rural special education enrollments and difficulties in rural teacher recruitment. Contains 23 references. (SV)

A study of 323 first-year college students enrolled in an introductory economics course investigated relationships between course grades, Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, gender, and continued economics study beyond the first course. Results suggest females, already underrepresented in the introductory course, persist in smaller proportions than…

A four-week summer program at Georgia State University prepares entering African-American students for college work through instruction in mathematics, reading, composition, study skills, word processing, tutoring, academic and career counseling, mentoring, and follow-up. The program has been well received and succeeded in enhancing retention.…

A study at Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology (Ontario) found 30 percent of freshmen dropped out in the first year. Variables in the student-institution relationship accounted for more variance in persistence and withdrawal than student characteristics, confirming the validity of the person-environment fit dropout model. (Author/MSE)

This study found that, of 24 minority students placed in gifted classes from K-12, none dropped out, though 45 percent of 67 gifted minority students not placed in gifted classes dropped out. Graduation rates from the academically talented program followed the proportions of minority to nonminority students in the program. (JDD)

Assessed current status of minority education by surveying college students (n=423). Gathered information about the barriers and contributors to persistence and academic success. Determined finances and and availability of financial aid were first-order concerns of minority students. Found differences in motivation for college attendance between…

A study of 418 academically underprepared college students found a positive correlation between students' perceptions of their career decision-making self-efficacy and their overall social and academic adjustment to the academic environment. Further research into career decision-making self-efficacy is recommended, particularly for intervention to…

Focuses on the special challenges and benefits college athletes encounter. This in-depth study of 31 male athletes (part of an ongoing survey of 2,395 African-American students) points to the need for supported and structured programs. Offers three effective models for organizing initiatives to retain African-American male student athletes. (EMK)

Identifies factors that inhibit the recruitment and retention of minority students in gifted education programs including screening and identification issues (definitions and instrumentation); educational issues (quality of students' education); and personnel issues (lack of teacher training in gifted and urban education, low teacher referral).…

A three-semester study investigated the effects on academic performance of a freshman seminar paired with a core sociology course. Students in the paired course achieved higher grades in the course and higher grade point averages for the semester of intervention than did nonparticipating control group students. After two years, freshman seminar…

A study examined the effectiveness of a program to prepare and retain 35 on-the-job teachers serving students with mild to moderate disabilities in urban schools. Teachers developed competency over time and viewed seminars and on-site assistance as critical sources of support, however, they continued to experience significant challenges and…

College prospects for American-Indian youth are brighter than in the past, with two- and four-year college enrollments up and American-Indian SAT scores rising. Anti-affirmative-action policies are having some chilling effects on minority enrollments nationwide, but certain tribes and universities are working together to strengthen college…