Assesses the role of autonomous self-regulation as a predictor of academic procrastination. Maintains that academic procrastination is often a motivational problem related to fear of failure. Reveals that students with intrinsic reasons for studying procrastinate less than those with less autonomous reasons (for example, external regulation). (MJP)

Presents a case study of 13 tribal college students who either completed or dropped out of their programs. Identifies societal, organizational, institutional, family, and individual factors associated with these students' completion, including: (1) lack of money; (2) inadequate preparation; (3) health problems; and (4) housing problems. Contains…

Describes a study that compares the performance of students enrolled in supplemental instruction (SI) with those who were not, during four undergraduate courses at the University of Central Florida. Indicates that there were significant differences in grades between SI and non-SI students in biology and chemistry, but not in calculus and American…

Examines the history of students who cannot do what educators want them to do, noting how educators have labeled poor performers in different periods and how these labels reflect both attitudes and institutional conditions. The paper summarizes four major historical explanations for why children fail and explores implications of this history for…

The English educational system is still being organized along social-class lines. Working classes have historically been "found out" in education--discovered to be inferior and less cultured and clever than middle classes. Findings from studies on higher education choice, secondary school transitions, and primary assessments underline…

This article presents essential principles for mathematics instruction for students with disabilities and those who are at risk for school failure. These students have great difficulty in applying algorithmic knowledge to solve problems and even greater difficulty with abstract problem solving associated with higher level mathematics. A procedural…

Research indicates that while grade retention does not typically increase student performance, it is widely practiced in schools throughout the country. Arguments for retaining a child include immaturity, the belief that an extra year of schooling will produce successful academic outcomes, and failure to meet criteria for promotion. Those who…

In this study, 434 children and adolescents completed the Control-, Agency-, and Means-ends beliefs Interview (CAMI). Moreover, we asked for current mood-state and achievement-related affect after success and failure at school. There was no gender difference in achievement-related affective expression in children (9 and 10 years old), but there…

Concern is growing about the education of the students regarded as least likely to succeed in school. Labeled "reluctant," "at risk," "disadvantaged," "alienated," "resistant," "educational deprived," or what Rose (1995) calls "educational underprepared," these students come disproportionately from low SES (socioeconomic status) families and from…

Educational policy trends have contributed to rising rates of student grade retention over the past two decades. This research bulletin looks at the evidence about whether and how grade retention may influence the chances that a student would drop out of school. In 1992, evidence indicates that about 20% of 14-year-olds may have experienced a…

This study examined the impact of awareness workshops component of the West Point/Mississippi State University Enrichment Project for parents of junior high school students who had experienced academic failure or behavior problems. Focusing on effective parenting skills and conducted by graduate students divided into three total quality management…

Two "early alert" pilot projects were established at Antelope Valley College, in California, to develop a follow-up system to ensure regular monitoring of student progress for early detection of academic difficulty. Two committees were established to explore and develop early alert strategies; the first focusing on basic skills courses…

This practicum was conducted in a large high school for the purpose of improving grade point averages, attendance, and attitudes of student athletes at high risk with respect to eligibility to play sports. The program contained four basic components: (1) orientation; (2) implementation; (3) monitoring; and (4) evaluation. An orientation was…

Cognitively-based writing instruction for educationally disadvantaged students is examined, focusing on epistemic writing. The object of epistemic writing is to inquire into a particular topic and to familiarize/persuade the reader with the fruits of the investigation. In reviewing the distinctions between novice and expert writers, two models of…

This volume consists mainly of presentations made at a seminar held in 1981 in Bogota, Colombia, on the relation between preschool education and early childhood education. The seminar brought together educational researchers from many regions of the world as well as specialists in several different disciplines. Encompassing nine investigations…