Examines issues of gangs and youth violence. Provides statistics and other information on weapons in schools, crime in schools, gang effects on truancy and dropout rates, gang activity, appeal of membership, recruitment, ethnic groups, new gang types (white Supremist and "stoner" gangs and Satanic cults), preventive efforts, and community…

A study of 14 Open University (Great Britain) undergraduate courses examined tutor marked assignment (TMA) rates as a reliable early indicator of student retention. This article reviews the effectiveness of course-related evaluation strategies (standard, evaluator-initiated; specific, client-initiated; quantitative; and qualitative) and argues the…

Health, nutrition, and behavioral determinants of school achievement, attendance, and dropout examined in 452 girls aged 13-14 randomly selected in Kingston, Jamaica. Anemic or sexually active girls had worse achievement levels. Better achievement was associated with possession of school materials and access to reading material outside of school.…

Reviews research and theory on factors cited as contributing to the retention and graduation of African-American students attending predominantly white institutions. Proposes a model to help such institutions provide positive learning experiences for African-Americans. The model has three stages: (1) recruitment considerations, (2) the first-year…

Proposes a systematic approach that focuses on student success and continual improvement in retention to assess college student retention programs Identifies three major components of retention research: (1) determining dropout predictors; (2) identifying critical points; and (3) validating outcomes assessment of retention endeavors. Also…

Tests for equivalence models predicting ethnic minority and nonminority students' intentions to remain enrolled in college. Reports similarities and differences in the models for predicting commitment for ethnic minority and nonminority students. Notes limitations to the inferences that can be drawn from the study due to its methodology. (DSK)

Discusses the particular consequences of high-risk behavior for adolescent women, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, school dropout and poverty, developmental disabilities, and poor school performance. Considers the role of male partners in teenage women's high risk behavior. Describes prevention efforts such as…

Two attorneys discuss compliance issues surrounding the new rules concerning return of Title IV funds. They explain the calculation process and identify emerging legal issues and risk factors, including determination of student withdrawal rates, allowances for leaves of absence, the handling of inadvertent overpayments, and student grant repayment…

Study examined the relationship between teenage pregnancy and educational underachievement in a sample of women studied from birth to 21 years. Findings suggest that rates of teenage pregnancy might be elevated among women who leave school early, rather than rates of early school leaving being elevated among women who become pregnant. (Author/JDM)

Describes the outcome of a National Postsecondary Student Aid Survey (NPSAS), which found that two-year students were 0.18% less likely to persist for each $100 increase in tuition, more likely to persist if they received subsidies, and 15.96% more likely to persist for every $1,000 in student loan debt outstanding. (Contains 68 references.) (PGS)

Investigated whether Chicago public school students were disadvantaged relative to students in other Illinois schools after accounting for background factors. Data on test scores, dropout rates, and school, community, and family characteristics indicated that Chicago's grade schools performed comparably to other schools, but Chicago's high schools…

Describes the evaluation of four different retention programs implemented at the University of Southern Maine. Data from student surveys, student test scores and grades, and program cost figures indicated that the two learning community programs were more effective than the non-learning community programs. Investment in learning communities made…

Argues that schools play an important role in fostering student retention and completion and suggests that psychological perspectives on the goodness of fit between students and the school environment should be used to guide school reform efforts. Reviews aspects of schooling associated with dropout and selected reform initiatives that restructure…

Analysis of employment patterns and earnings of workers with some college but no degree shows that they are more likely than high school graduates to be in college-level jobs and earn substantially more, but less than associate/bachelor's degree graduates. (SK)

British further education college students (n=182) assessed their own learning styles. Students and tutors found the information useful. Follow-up 1 year later showed that students' self-esteem increased, and they took the initiative in discussing teaching and learning styles. However, some lecturers had difficulty changing teaching styles to…