Analysis of survey data describing the demographic characteristics and attitudes of foreign language teachers affiliated with a state professional organization revealed that there are only very limited inservice training opportunities, there is a limited scope of foreign language programs, and a substantial number of teachers may leave the field…

A longitudinal study of the retention and academic performance of college freshmen taking freshman seminars found that participating students with higher Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores were significantly less likely to leave college than nonparticipating controls, and participating students with lower SAT scores showed slightly better…

Multiple program impact analysis was used to evaluate the overall effectiveness in programs for 11,766 first-year students at the University of Texas at Austin. The technique examines the relationship between involvement in multiple educational programs and selected educational outcomes. Among findings was that participation in more than one…

Trends in paid employment among college students since the early 1960s are described, effects on student persistence and the financial rate of return for individual students while in college are analyzed, and possible explanations for the rising trend in employment are examined. (Author/MSE)

A survey of 2,500 teachers entering a large urban school district over the last 7 years showed that alternatively certified teachers were as likely as traditional, university-certified teachers to remain in the profession and pay back the school district's initial investment in teacher training. Many become committed to teaching as a meaningful…

Over half of African-American college students fail to complete their degree work, for reasons minimally related to innate ability or environmental conditioning. The problem is that they are undervalued in ways that are sometimes subtle, sometimes blatant. Obstacles to achievement may be overcome in an atmosphere that reduces racial…

One hundred seven principals were sampled using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results suggest that principals experience low to moderate levels of burnout, with those in the 35-44 age group scoring higher in depersonalization than other principals. Twenty-six percent do not plan to remain as principals until retirement. (SLD)

Among 394 Mexican American and Latino college freshmen and sophomores surveyed, academic stress, social stress, and perceived availability of social support accounted for 59 percent of variance in college adjustment. Contrary to the diathesis-stress model, social support did not moderate the relationship between stress and adjustment. (SV)

A study at the Open University of Israel found students who study in organized groups and get weekly tutorials have a higher persistence rate than those with tutorials every three weeks. More experienced students and those in liberal arts and social sciences have a higher course completion rate. Age, sex, and educational background have little…

Examines the postschool attainment effects of offering courses in typing and keyboarding as part of general education, using national survey data from the High School and Beyond data set. Regarding employability and earnings, society's investment in keyboarding instruction is money well spent. Taking high school keyboarding courses significantly…

Follow-up of 98 Westinghouse Science Talent Search winners in 1983 found that 49 of the 60 male participants and 25 of the 38 female participants could still be categorized as scientists or mathematicians. Reasons for career choices, the role of mentors, and effects of the Westinghouse winner label were explored. (DB)

This paper reviews 12 studies of special education teacher attrition, concluding that research-based models for improving the retention of special education teachers do not exist. Guidelines for a research agenda to identify variables that influence the attrition of special education teachers are offered. (DB)

Reviews and critically examines research on academic programs for improving retention of at-risk minority college students. Recommends academic retention program designers incorporate effective instructional components and program evaluators implement better controlled research studies. (Author/ABL)

The study examined the validity of the Eccles model of achievement behaviors for its predictive validity in determining student persistence in the postsecondary educational system to completion of the baccalaureate degree. The value placed on college attendance had significant influence on persistence. (Author/MLW)

Voluntary use of counseling increased, and, in turn, academic performance improved, after participation in brief required counseling intervention for at-risk second-year college students (n=131). Although persistence through graduation was related positively to voluntary help-seeking after the intervention, increment of improvement in grade point…