Argues that freshman seminar class reunions increase the benefits of freshman seminars for urban commuter college students, and reports results of a study testing effectiveness of class reunions in reducing attrition for high-risk students (n=40). Findings support hypothesis that freshmen seminar groups with class reunions show greater student…

A Cox regression model was used to examine the career paths of 2,327 elementary school first-year teachers. Variables studied (sex, age, ethnicity, education, and certification route) explained about 10% of the variation in teacher continuation in teaching. Future studies of teacher survival should consider additional teacher-related variables.…

Suggests explanations for derailment of the self-continuity warranting process. Maintains that although Chandler's studies used important concepts without sufficient evidence for construct validity, such use may be justified by the need to address the high Native youth suicide rate. Concludes that Chandler et al. have begun to validate a measure…

Investigates Mexican-American elementary-age children with older siblings who were either high school dropouts or persisters. Results indicate that siblings of dropouts had lower expectations of completing high school and had more absences than did siblings of persisters. Recommends that schools use absenteeism and expectancy in identifying…

This article discusses the obstacles one parent faced in advocating for her gifted children and the positive outcomes of her persistence. A list of strategies for parenting gifted children is provided that include model lifelong learning, nurture strengths and interests, and listen and respond compassionately to your child's emotional needs. (CR)

Five elementary school students who were inattentive or low achieving were studied as they participated in peer-mediated instruction. Students provided peer support to students with disabilities by adapting curricula, supervising assignments, and facilitating socialization. Serving as a peer support person positively affected the academic…

Summarizes suggestions from child care directors concerning recruitment and retention of high quality staff. (BB)

Discusses three approaches to help teachers of alienated students ward off despair: (1) separating soluble from insoluble problems; (2) finding curriculum content that is interesting and involving to teachers and students; and (3) acknowledging within themselves some of the feelings and behaviors teachers find so appalling in their most difficult…

This comment is a response to a paper on noncompletion rates in United Kingdom universities (Johnes and Taylor 1989). The causal inferences are ill founded because they are based on data aggregated to university level. Individual-level data are essential, and data on other levels may also be necessary. (Author/MLW)

Presents practical suggestions regarding how college faculty can promote the success of American Indian college students by recognizing and dealing with racism, recognizing nontraditional leadership skills, providing personal support, clarifying goals and expectations, and encouraging students' self-understanding and positive self-image. Contains…

A discussion of the success of Oakes College (Santa Cruz, California) at attracting and retaining Black and Hispanic students looks at the early experimental nature of the college, what was learned in its early years, and the educational and policy strategies that have evolved through controversy and crisis. (MSE)

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs offers perspective on student motivation and a rationale for college retention programing. Student affairs and faculty interventions addressing student safety needs and engaging students' sense of purpose reinforce persistence. A mentor program is a possible cooperative effort between student personnel and…

Institutional researchers and student financial aid officers can collaborate to construct the longitudinal data files needed to study students persistence and recommend persistence policy. (Author/MSE)

Analyzes minority graduate school enrollments and the numbers of earned masters, first professional, and doctoral degrees. Outlines short- and long-term solutions to increase the number of potential future minority college faculty. (FMW)

Describes a study designed to apply a model of nontraditional student attrition to dislocated workers being retrained at Washington community colleges to determine the predictive powers of selected variables. Indicates that workers with relatively low skills and fewer years of previous education were most likely to persist. (24 citations) (MAB)