In December, 1977, the Kalamazoo Public Schools surveyed students (grades 10-12) to ascertain their opinions of a proposed competency-based diploma. Most supported the concept, had opinions about the form of such a program, and thought they could pass the test. Differences between Black and White respondents are noted. (Author/SJL)

In a study of master's degree programs in industrial technology, it was concluded that, in general, the programs are not research oriented and demonstration of research competency, beyond satisfactorily completing a research methods course, is not a major requirement. A more comprehensive monitoring of these programs is recommended. (CT)

The study reported indicates that despite the fact that undergraduate majors in elementary education could demonstrate attainment of a minimum standard on science content knowledge at one time, many were not able to demonstrate competence at the minimum standard at graduation time. (MK)

Although state policy makers have been setting new standards for public school promotion and graduation under the rubric of Competency Based Education (CBE), they have used the concept of CBE in two different ways; one involves focusing school activities and graduation requirements on various competencies, whereas the other specifies how education…

Data from the 1990 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the 1990 High School Transcript Study are used to compare students' course-taking patterns with their NAEP achievement scores and schools' graduation requirements. Relatively few students were affected by these requirements. Results suggest that marginal students could…

Identified curricular and instructional practices within schools whose students exceeded the state passing average for Language Arts on the Alabama High School Graduation Examination, even though student population were predominantly high risk. Teacher and administrator data indicated that teachers' years of experience, certification levels, and…

Studied whether eighth-grade reading scores on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills predict success on the five subtests of the Georgia High School Graduation Test. Findings for 102 high school seniors show that reading scores are statistically significantly related to all five subtests, with correlations ranging from 0.69 to 0.86. (SLD)

The policies/practices of the New Zealand School Certificate--a summative examination taken by students after three years of secondary school--are reviewed. The examination is likely to be discarded because of the many mechanisms used to buffer scaling effects and equate distributions. New assessment methods may better reflect student achievement.…

Data from 7,179 graduates of high schools that sent students to Altoona Vocational Technical School (AVTS) and 962 responses to a questionnaire provided information about enrollment trends, vocational credits, postsecondary experience, and work experience. (SK)

Using event-history techniques and a modified status attainment model, finds that having a baby does not predict dropping out of high school and that first-time mothers who remain in school are as likely to graduate as other women. Among dropouts, however, a birth reduces chances of eventual graduation. (AF)

After suspension of its football program, Southern Methodist University has established a course, required of athletes, covering such topics as National Collegiate Athletic Association standards and regulations, dealing with agents and media, athletes' rights, the ethics of drug testing, and the significance of race and gender in college sports.…

A study examined the definition of student academic standing and its relationship to several administrative and academic standards (graduation requirements, grading systems, calendars, curricula, probation categories and procedures, requirements for readmission, dean's lists, and graduation rates) at 25 small colleges at six levels of selectivity.…

Although the IB (international baccalaureate) diploma has almost universal acceptance as a college-preparation standard for students studying in foreign countries, Germany and France are reluctant to accept this diploma for nationals studying in their own countries. The German state governments are particularly concerned about quality control and…

A study investigated the relationship of financial aid to persistence/academic performance of 42 medical student recipients of financial aid. Results indicate receipt of aid did not correlate significantly with graduation rate or class rank. Financial aid provided capable students, who could otherwise not afford it, opportunity to attend medical…

Reports on admission requirements and program structures of 102 master's programs in journalism and mass communication. Suggests that master's programs are diverse. (SR)