Evaluates a cognitive-behavioral school-based group intervention for Mexican American pregnant and parenting adolescent girls. At posttest, the young women who participated in the group intervention had statistically significantly better scores on all outcome measures. The cognitive-behavioral group intervention shows promise as an effective…

This article identifies several reasons for demands for teacher and student accountability. Minimum competency testing of students and teachers is discussed within the context of the accountability movement, and the implications of such testing as an evaluation tool are considered. (IAH)

A number of colleges are making a formal commitment to community service by encouraging their students to sign up for local volunteer projects, some programs are even compulsory. Critics of the new programs say that requiring community service violates the spirit of the community service ethic. (MLW)

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)