A survey of 27 agriculture, 13 biotechnology, and 44 health occupations teachers found that fewer than half experienced adequate materials, facilities, and continuing education reimbursement during induction. Better retention strategies matching teachers' stages of concern were needed during the first five years of teaching. (SK)

Studied the instructional and interpersonal factors that led a group of 17- to 19-year-old students (urban, rural, and suburban) at risk to persist in school rather than drop out. Interviews with 18 students, 13 compensatory education teachers, and 9 guidance counselors show the importance of caring relationships and personalized instruction in a…

A study involving 887 urban special educators investigated factors that lead to attrition and retention and found several critical factors to consider to increase retention and commitment. A leading negative factor was stress due to job design. Perceived support by principals or other teachers helped alleviate this stress. (Contains references.)…

Examined the influence of student debt load on college persistence using data from the National Postsecondary Aid Survey of 1992-93 and a model of student persistence that includes either total accumulated debt or threshold of accumulated debt. Findings indicated threshold of accumulated debt was a more effective method of examining student debt…

One group of 69 vocational students in distance mode who received structured telephone contact from faculty were compared with 85 controls. Phone contact did not make a significant difference in completion or withdrawal rates. Those who received it found the distance experience more satisfying and less isolating. (SK)

Presents a study that measured the impact of a peer-assisted learning (PAL) program on student academic performance, and evaluated student and faculty feedback regarding their experiences with the program. Reports that PAL participants had a significantly higher course success rate than non-participants, and a significantly lower withdrawal rate…

Using national longitudinal survey data, employs current duration-analysis techniques to examine the first teaching spell for a sample of teachers. Estimates of a proportional hazard model indicate that the length of a teacher's first spell is more responsive to wages than improved teaching conditions. Marriage and fertility variables are also…

The purpose of this study was to determine if living in a living learning center (LLC) at a residential college impacts academic success, and to what extent living in the LLC impacts the persistence of first-year students. Results indicated that the LLC had a positive impact on academic success of men, and on the rate of persistence for non-white…

Interviews with 10 women who did not continue on to higher education following the successful completion of an access course identified three obstacles: caregiving responsibilities, financial constraints, and lack of career advice. Their experiences suggest that attempts to widen access to higher education must take account of the broader…

Describes a later-entry first grade teacher at a rural school in Indiana, who has continued to teach despite a number of hurdles that would impede many educators. Demonstrates her commitment to the profession and to her school, a commitment which has continued to grow through each career stage. (RS)

This article describes a continuum of definitions of giftedness from conservative to liberal and discusses how these definitions relate to the development of the 3-ring conception of giftedness. In this definition, above average ability, task commitment, and creativity are seen as 3 interactive clusters of traits that gifted students may exhibit.…

Investigated relations between sex, social status, and temperament among preschool-age children. Found that rejected children had a higher activity level, higher distractibility, and lower persistence than popular children. Both rejected and neglected children were rated as displaying lower adaptability and more negative mood than popular…

Reviews legal education and student retention, particularly of minority students, from three perspectives: current trends in law school admissions, the role of undergraduate institutions in avoiding retention problems by preparing candidates for successful legal education, and the increased role of law school academic support programs in student…

Interviewed satisfied elementary teachers to investigate factors related to recruitment and retention. Respondents tended to aspire to teaching for years before beginning their training. Greater understanding of teacher needs and positive attitudes toward teaching influenced recruitment. Attitudes of others influenced retention. The main reasons…

Nineteen mothers of 23 children who received special education services in inclusive classrooms with support from paraprofessionals found that the mothers identified closely with paraprofessionals and believed that they were compassionate, dedicated people who functioned in four major roles: connector, team member, instructor, and physical…