Five methods of equating minimum-competency tests were compared using the Florida Statewide Student Assessment Test, Part II, for 1984 and 1986. Four of five methods yielded essentially comparable results for the highest scoring 84% of the students. Different lengths of anchor items were compared, using the concurrent item response theory equating…

The New Jersey High School Proficiency Test--a new, more rigorous competency test required for high school graduation in New Jersey--was evaluated for three years of its use. The impact of the state's testing program on curriculum, high school graduation, state compensatory education funding, and district certification is discussed. (SLD)

This article argues that, despite the demand for competency-based testing of college graduates, such efforts may be simplistic, costly, and counterproductive in light of the varied missions of higher education institutions. The assessments useful to improving higher education (campus-based, faculty-developed, and mission-related) do not appear to…

Describes a 10-year study of the 1,404 students who transferred from Ohio's Cuyahoga Community College to Kent State University from 1979 to 1988. Indicates that the graduation rates of transfers and native students were at least equal and that transfer students' grade point averages were not an accurate predictor of baccalaureate attainment. (19…

The presence and extent of overlap between checklist and written scores using data for over 400 medical students in 6 classes on an examination including clinical encounter stations with standardized patients were studied. Eighty-three cases used both measures. Written scores provide information in addition to that of the checklists. (SLD)

A review of the history of American Indian studies in the college curriculum traces the political, demographic, academic, and social changes affecting American Indian roles. The recent revival of native American studies and the emergence of graduation requirements in ethnic studies are seen as both beneficial and risky. (MSE)

Describes seven components of a conscientious approach to increasing recruitment, retention, and graduation of minorities. Ingredients include a reasonable financial aid package, an attractive multicultural environment, effective academic retention programs, sensitization of faculty, maintenance of a communication line with high school guidance…

Examines how gender proportions of faculty and undergraduate majors in the mathematical sciences vary across institutional groups and how these proportions have changed over time. Explores the relationship between the proportion of women faculty and women majors across institutional types as a test of the role-model hypothesis. Contains 36…

This article reviews the research related to minimum competency testing (MCT) as a requirement for high school graduation for students with learning disabilities. It examines whether inclusive MCT requirements lead to positive educational outcomes, raises issues of accommodations and alternative diplomas, possible increased dropout rates, and…

A study explored 15 undergraduate students' perceptions of the level of distress they experienced at two important transition points (first year, senior year), and the impact on their academic performance. The effectiveness of counseling intervention in ameliorating distress and improving students' capacity to complete degree programs…

School boards need to keep current on the status of graduation prayer. The "Weisman" decision said graduation prayers violated the First Amendment; the "Jones" decision would allow graduation ceremonies with student-led invocations and benedictions. Reviews these decisions to pinpoint the sources of confusion in subsequent…

Examines Occidental College's (California) experiment in enhancing ethnic diversity in its student body and creating a learning experience for its students that draws attention to and emphasizes these differences. Alumni opposition, the program's overall philosophy, and its ultimate success are discussed. (GR)

Graduation rates for scholarship athletes and all students at 307 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institutions are tabulated. Data are for students who enrolled in 1990-91 and 1991-92 and graduated within six years, and are broken out for white men, black men, white women, and black women. (MSE)

A study of national longitudinal data examined effects of rural Catholic high schools on mathematics achievement, high school graduation rates, and the likelihood that high school graduates attend college. Findings indicate that rural Catholic high schools had a positive effect on mathematics test scores and no effect on graduation rates or rates…

Comedian, actor and philanthropist Bill Cosby made headlines earlier this year, and not for a starring role in a new TV show or because of a multimillion-dollar gift to a college or university, but for his comments surrounding low-income African Americans at an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Brown vs. Board of Education decision,…