Many institutions are taking freshman orientation more seriously by challenging students before they start classes and giving them a more thorough introduction to campus life than ever before. The biggest changes in orientation are occurring among community colleges. Some of the experiences at Georgia Tech are described. (MLW)

A brief history of legislative acts and public policies which have affected the supply of black teachers is given. Various educational reform movements are summarized. Questions about the future of education with regard to educating an increasing number of minorities equitably are posed. (JL)

A trend toward adoption of the early-semester calendar, which runs from August to May with exams before Christmas vacation is discussed, along with other changes in college scheduling for curriculum development, increased efficiency, student job scheduling, student retention, and decreased paperwork. (MSE)

A longitudinal study of factors influencing the long-term academic persistence of 825 students beginning their postsecondary education in two-year colleges supports the importance of person-environment fit in persistence. Measures of academic and social integration most consistently correlated positively with persistence, while student precollege…

Relates the self-reported behavior of 19 mothers and 19 fathers with their ratings of the activity levels, mood quality, intensity, approach behavior, adaptability, and persistence of three- to four-year-old children. Results suggest that the child's behavior style may contribute to the parents' behavior style and that mothers and fathers may…

A model of institutional attrition was tested by comparing undergraduate dropouts and continuing students at Washington State University based on the constructs of individual attributes, past educational experience, goal commitment, institutional commitment, social integration, and academic integration. (MSE)

The relationship of student aid with degree attainment are examined using a sample of aid recipients, nonrecipients who applied for aid but were not eligible, and a representative group of controls selected from the 1970-71 entering freshman class at Washington State University. (Author/MLW)

Reports on August 1983 study investigating retention of Canadian Native graduates of three special education programs in Native community schools. Shows that, during first year after graduation, all subjects were employed in the field of education and 88 percent of subjects spent most years since graduation as educators in Native communities. (NEC)

Examines the effectiveness of paying teachers in large urban areas a salary differential, also known as "combat pay," for teaching at racially isolated or all-minority schools. In a sample of seven schools, "combat pay" is found to be ineffective in attracting or retaining high quality teachers. (CMG)

This book helps principals and all others who hire and retain teachers to sharpen their ability to hire better teachers for their schools, improve the ones who are already there, and keep their best and brightest on board. It demonstrates that the quality of the people on staff will ultimately determine the quality of the school and the success of…

Children from poor families exhibit more conduct disorders, chronic illnesses, school problems, hyperactivity, and emotional disorders than children who are not poor. Minority children that are poor face the additional disadvantage of marginalization. Research indicates that support and strong personal skills are needed for such children to be…

The purpose of this follow up study to "Principal Behaviors That Encourage Teachers to Stay in the Profession: Perceptions of K-8 Teachers in Their 2nd to 5th Year of Teaching" (Richards, 2002) was to compare the perceptions of K-8 teachers at three career stages on the principal behaviors that encourage them most: (1) 1-5 years of…

Scholarship aid continues to be crucially important in attracting and retaining students in higher education institutions (Abrahamson & Hossler, 1990; Cabrera, Nora, & Castaneda, 1992; Paulsen & St. John, 1997; Schuh, 2000; St. John, 1992; St. John et al., 1994; Terkla, 1985). Although the general concept and effect of financial assistance is…

Studies investigating academic persistence compose one of the most widely reported areas of research in higher education. Tinto is most often cited in and associated with student persistence research. This paper details the origins of Tinto's theories, as well as subsequent criticisms and reformulations of those fundamental theories. The origins…

The purpose of this study was to determine if the developmental studies courses and the sequential program of developmental studies courses offered at North Harris Montgomery Community College District (NHMCCD) in Texas adequately prepared students for academic success in the first college-level English and/or mathematics courses. All…