Considers recent investigations of conditions that promote forward-thinking in young people and their realization of personal goals. Discusses environmental affordance, environmental press, mediational strategies, consequence management, and resources for coping. Suggests ways educators may help individuals develop potentials for foresight and…

Reports on a study of 14,249 students to determine whether participation in specific extracurricular activities (athletics and fine arts) significantly reduces a student's likelihood of dropping out. Finds that, when all activities are examined, only athletic participation remains significantly related to dropping out. (ACM)

Examined attitudes of teachers in religiously integrated schools in Northern Ireland with regard to their motivation for teaching in an integrated school, comparisons between their teaching experiences in integrated and nonintegrated schools, and how teaching in an integrated school may affect their future career prospects. (LP)

Describes the success of the Freshman Seminar Program at the University of South Carolina, designed to retain African-American students. Discusses the personal and social development needs of African-American students and how the Freshman Seminar contributes to their development. Presents data showing retention results. (MAB)

A survey of 466 students in a large, urban commuter college investigated the relationship of student finances to academic persistence. Results suggest that financial aid (1) equalizes opportunities for students, thus decreasing attractiveness of alternatives, (2) facilitates academic and social integration, and (3) increases student commitment to…

Addresses the need for institutional-level research on minority college student persistence and choice of academic major, discussing the importance and benefits of such research. A two-stage case study illustrates the utility of institutional research. Implications of the campus-based model of the study are discussed. (SLD)

Investigates whether and to what extent noncognitive and traditional precollege variables (such as American College Testing scores) predict first-semester grade point average and enrollment factors for 409 African-American males admitted to a predominantly white university through its office of Educational Services and Programs. (SLD)

High School and Beyond data for 1,332 male and 1,608 female African Americans indicate that several domains of influence help predict African-American males' postsecondary educational attainment. Family socioeconomic status, educational plans, father's influence, and peer influence are important predictors and indicate areas where student…

Describes a study of the challenges to female university students at Wageningen Agricultural University in the Netherlands in 1987 and 1988. Female students were critical of their studies, although most completed their degrees. The university teacher represents a gatekeeper to the academic community holding knowledge as a key resource. (JB)

Reports findings from a study of campus-based child care services provided by 27 State University of New York community colleges for student-parents. Survey data from 501 student-parents at 24 colleges confirmed a strong positive relationship between campus-based child care and student-parent academic success, enrollment, and persistence. (DMM)

A policy is proposed to enhance recruitment and retention of quality teachers in Catholic schools. Teachers would receive educational scholarships based on years of service, redeemable for the educator or the educator's dependent child. Such tuition scholarships would provide incentive for persons to enter or stay in teaching. (SLD)

Japan's economic success may have its origins in its educational system, which instills the values of persistence and hard work in children. This process is begun by Japanese mothers, continues throughout preschool and school, and is reinforced by cultural beliefs and practices. In one study, task persistence was significantly greater among…

Proposes a role for institutional research in changing institutional attitudes about priority placed on student retention efforts. Identifies organizational/attitudinal barriers to improving student retention efforts relative to theory on stages of grief (denial, hostility, bargaining, depression, acceptance); outlines tactics for moving the…

Analysis of National Educational Longitudinal Study data examined measures of parent/student involvement (parent/child discussion, involvement in parent/teacher organization, monitoring adolescent behavior, educational-support strategies) and their effects on achievement, truancy, and dropping out. Parental involvement generally explained…

Some colleges and universities claim they can't find "eligible" African-American undergraduates to recruit into science and engineering graduate programs. Those that find and enroll students sometimes fail to graduate them. Experts who are succeeding say it is primarily a matter of will. Statistical and anecdotal information are used in…