Discusses how children from certain social backgrounds come not to succeed in schooling at the same rate as other children, examining explanations that have been posited since the 1950s. Calls for greater recognition among educators that children's social and cultural experiences affect their communicative styles and, thus, their learning. (GC)

A survey of West Virginia institutions examined the issue of student selection for basic skills programs and resulted in development of a formalized evaluation and placement process. The procedures are outlined and a flow chart provided. (MSE)

Israeli soldiers who have not finished elementary school take special classes taught mostly by female volunteers who are not trained teachers. Special problems the teachers confront concerning cultural and class differences, discipline, and motivation are discussed as they are presented in a three-month preparatory course for the teachers. (PP)

Problems posed for the Dutch educational system by the influx of foreign immigrants are analyzed, and emerging policies of educational institutions are described. A discussion of problems and conflicting objectives encountered in current teacher education programs is included. (Author/PP)

Compensatory education students and mildly handicapped special education students would be better served by a single system meeting the needs of both groups. Student classification methods, historical, political, and pedagogical reasons for separating the programs, and alternatives to the existing arrangement are discussed. (PP)

Sampled colleges nationwide to determine whether admissions criteria differed significantly for minority groups. Results indicated minorities are expected to show evidence of quantifiable accomplishment. Noncognitive factors were less important. Private and Protestant colleges were more likely to consider motivation and admissions interviews. (JAC)

Recommends adjustments in institutional organization based on a determination that students will succeed, regardless of how long it takes or how much effort is expended by the institution. Arguments are advanced for making curricular, media, method, and administrative changes to meet the needs of the nontraditional student. (Author)

Discusses the inadequacy of educational programs for special groups--the handicapped/deficient and the exceptional. Offers suggestions for art activities for both groups, focusing on Reeve and Kauffman's four models (psychodynamic, humanistic, biophysical, ecological) to create activities for the handicapped/deficient and describing activities…

Discusses the College of Eastern Utah's San Juan Center for Higher Education which was designed to serve San Juan County's isolated and economically disadvantaged population. Describes the diverse educational needs of county residents, the center's administration, cooperative arrangements, the use of community facilities and itinerant instructors,…

Examines the effectiveness of "maverick schools"-- low-income neighborhood urban public schools with exceptionally high student achievement. Elements of their success include emphasis on basic skills, discipline, direct teaching styles, and committed leadership. (SK)

Describes research project efforts in developmental studies programs for nontraditional students in New York two-year colleges and also identifies characteristics of occupational educational students enrolled in these programs who can be classified as successful. Student inventories indicated that personal value factors were important in academic…

The authors review compensatory education programs, summarize studies of their effectiveness, and conclude that such programs can be effective--although they must be accompanied by increased opportunity in the society as a whole. (JM)

Since disadvantaged students need more than admission to succeed in college, especially in graduate and professional schools, a comprehensive developmental program is needed, with a full system of student support. Suggestions for institutional and state support, and on campus, a decision-making structure and an advisory structure are recommended.…

Recommendations favoring generic academic rather than occupationally specific skills are based on false premises. Research evidence contradicts the following assertions: (1) academic skills are good substitutes for occupational skills; (2) skill obsolescence reduces the payoff to vocational training; and (3) rising job turnover reduces the payoff…

Examines academic success and retention of first-year students in need of developmental education at a small private university to determine which variables are predictive of academic achievement, retention, and a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Results support other studies that indicate high school performance is the best indicator of success in college.…