Describes Miami-Dade Community College's computer-based Advisement and Graduation Information System (AGIS), which provides students with accurate, up-to-date information on their progress toward meeting graduation requirements and on courses recommended for transfer. Describes AGIS's six-phase development. Reviews AGIS's management applications,…

Data suggest that using the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in addition to high school records for determining college admissions adds virtually no useful predictive information over selection based on high school records alone. (Author/JM)

A workshop addressed the philosophy, practice, problems, and promise of the concept of experiential learning in graduate schools and looked at programs and practices of the American Council of Education and Central Michigan University in evaluating learning experiences which students have had prior to their matriculation in graduate programs.…

A preventive health education course was added as a new requirement for graduation from Nebraska high schools. Students who already know about health issues are permitted to waive the course upon completion of a special test that was derived from the six major course objectives. Results of the first administration and validation procedures are…

Argues for the value of high-quality minimum competency testing (MCT) programs in efforts to restore honesty to public school promotion practices. Lists the seven characteristics of a good program and discusses the effects of MCT on students, on curriculum and teaching, and on public perceptions of schooling. (Author/WD)

Advantages and disadvantages of five policy approaches are examined regarding graduation requirements for handicapped students: pass/fail, certificate of attendance, the individualized education program, special education diplomas, and specialized curriculum approaches. (CL)

Analyzes different responses that most seniors demonstrate during the college application process. The symptoms and major responses of "senioritis" are discussed in this article. Recommendations are made for dealing with this syndrome. (Author)

The author, whose book "The Diploma Disease" was recently published, deplores the "qualification escalation" bedevilling educational institutions. (Editor/RK)

Puts the case for compulsory study-service for students in higher education. (Editor)

In 1996, Oregon State University had the highest athlete graduation rate in the country, at 95%. Neither faculty nor alumni are impressed with the rate because the athletic teams are not performing well. The athletic director is committed to improving athletics while recruiting bright athletes and rigorously maintaining academic standards. (MSE)

Investigates determinants of football player graduation rates at two National Collegiate Athletic Association division levels. At the major level (NCAA Division I-A), football success appears to substitute for classroom success. At the NCAA Division I-AA level, there is no relationship between football success and academic success. A playoff…

Assessed whether the Student Diversity Program (SDP) at Cal State Fullerton increased retention, examining graduation rates and ending grade point averages (GPAs) of students and matched controls in four cohorts. Found that SDP students graduated at twice the rate of comparable students after 5 years, although GPAs were not different. (EV)

Argues that under certain conditions, high standards and demanding assessment can hurt rather than help low-achieving students. Discusses three practices educators and policymakers should avoid: requiring students to repeat a grade, placing students in low-track classes, and holding students accountable for material not yet taught. (Contains 13…

California's "History-Social Science Framework" adopted by the State Board of Education in 1987 is similar to the report by the National Commission on Social Studies in the Schools in emphasizing the central role of history in the social sciences. (MLF)

Vocational education is in trouble because of three factors: declining high school enrollments, increased graduation requirements, and students' growing preference for pursuing higher education. The opportunity to reform high school vocational education offered by the new Perkins amendments will be wasted if left in the hands of vocational…