Addresses issues related to attracting and keeping qualified teachers in rural schools. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of teaching in rural areas, preparation of rural administrators for dealing with elevated attrition levels and special needs of new teachers, ideal teacher requirements for rural positions, orientation and support services…

A National Collegiate Athletic Association report on athletes' graduation rates provides data that can support either side of the debate over academic standards. Rising academic requirements for incoming athletes may cause higher graduation rates, but may also force blacks out of sports in disproportionate numbers. Graduation data for 1987-88 and…

The High School and Beyond survey collected experiences of dropouts and high school graduates. Researchers compared dropping out to personal, social, and labor market experiences four years after projected graduation date. Dropouts differed from graduates in personal and social adjustment but not self-esteem. Male and female dropouts had different…

In response to declining enrollments, Regis University (Colorado) is looking to increase retention and graduation rates by improving campus life. Efforts include creation and renewal of academic clubs and athletic teams, a program to ensure availability of student employment on campus, and a first-year seminar combining teaching, advising, and…

Describes a Los Angeles collaborative university-district teacher induction program which focused on retaining alternative certification teachers in difficult urban schools. The collaboration increased teacher retention, providing systematic support and assistance and reducing feelings of isolation through cooperative planning. After three years,…

Presents results of a study examining gender differences in measures of academic aptitude and achievement that predict persistence in introductory economics courses. Concludes that females need more validation than male students to persist in the study of economics. Suggests that the need for female students to overcome classroom climate may…

The educational progress of students with different family incomes is analyzed. Three financial aid policies working against dependent students from low-income families are examined: (1) zeroing out calculated negative parental contributions; (2) requiring a minimum self-help expectation from students in this group; and (3) substituting expensive…

Reports how 163 students who had attended alternative elementary schools in Wichita (Kansas) performed in secondary schools and beyond, and compares them to 186 regular students. Alternative education intervention positively affects student achievement and completion of formal education programs. Parent involvement was a common, important factor…

This study investigated whether significant group, gender, and grade differences existed in the learning style preferences of high school students with learning disabilities (n=53) and gifted students (n=64). Findings indicated significant group differences in preferences for light, design, and kinesthetic modality, as well as for motivation,…

A 3-institution study investigated the effectiveness of transfer of 1,786 Los Rios Community College students to the University of California at Davis and California State University at Sacramento, measured by student preparation, persistence, and performance before and after transfer. Need for remediation. before transfer was also examined.…

Describes a study conducted at the Liberty University School of Lifelong Learning investigating the effects of student-teacher interaction on the academic integration and retention of 120 students taking general education courses. Finds no significant difference in overall completion rates of students receiving and not receiving faculty-initiated…

Once black students matriculate at a predominantly white college, they are often left to fend for themselves. Some schools, however, have launched retention programs that are effective. Characteristics of effective retention efforts, especially the importance of concerned, supportive faculty, are reviewed. (SLD)

Descriptive statistical data on the status of African-American college students in Pennsylvania is presented and includes application and acceptance rates, freshman enrollments, financial aid awards, first-year and overall dropout rates, and withdrawal reasons. Some comparisons of ethnic groups are made. Concern is expressed over declining…

A study with 2,453 college students investigated the construct validity of the student commitment to institution as a factor in academic persistence. Results suggest factors such as institutional quality, practical educational utility, student-institution fit, and loyalty to institution were more predictive of persistence than similarity of…

Although more African-American and American Indian students are graduating from college within six years of matriculation, graduation rates lag far behind those of whites and Asian Americans. The rates, based on National Collegiate Athletic Association data, have prompted both pride and concern, and are not always consistent with state data. (MSE)