This study compared the satisfactions and dissatisfactions of teachers of emotionally/behaviorally impaired students in special education, of general education teachers, and of teachers responsible for both regular and special needs students. Younger, less experienced teachers of students in special education were the most dissatisfied.…

Examines the high dropout rate among elementary and middle school students in Changed Prefecture. Lists and discusses four factors that contribute to this situation. Describes student attitudes toward school: studying is useless, excessive amounts of school work are given, misunderstandings concerning job placement exist, and tuition is high. (KO)

Colleges can eliminate race and ethnicity as factors in college completion by publicly stating priorities, committing discretionary money, having visible minority leadership, obtaining good data, having a systematic and coordinated approach, emphasizing quality uncompromisingly, collaborating, providing a supportive academic and social…

Using data from an Australian longitudinal survey, a study investigated the relationship between part-time employment and the decisions to pursue higher education and to persist after the first year. Results show employment was not critical to persistence. However, employment during secondary school reduced the likelihood of college attendance for…

An interdisciplinary program for freshmen at Pace University (New York) focused on development of critical thinking, nonverbal communication, writing, and speaking skills. Two sections of an English course, two of a public speaking course, and one of philosophy adopted common texts, common themes, and cross-disciplinary reinforcement of skills.…

Discusses a survey administered to 306 students at a New York community college that investigated loneliness, communication apprehension, communication competence, and locus of control as predictors of persistence in telecourses. Analysis found withdrawal and withdrawal/failure in telecourses were not significantly related to the variables. (52…

A survey of 100 Mexican American undergraduate students assessed their perceptions of five challenges (and associated resources) to completing college: financial problems, domestic responsibilities, academic discouragement, and racial and gender discrimination. There were no differences between upper- and lower-division students. Males were more…

Describes Rutgers University's Gateway retention program which involves a number of academic departments in the development of retention programs. Highlights particular Gateway courses in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Discusses the benefits of faculty involvement and the importance of incentives for involvement. Reports a 90%…

Each year, about one-third of college freshmen who select majors in science, mathematics, and engineering switch to other fields. Faculty may be able to reduce student attrition from quantitative majors by addressing four barriers to success: (1) pre-college preparation; (2) peer culture; (3) classroom climate; and (4) sink-or-swim instructional…

The Academic Excellence Workshop at California State Polytechnic University (Pomona) has greatly improved performance and persistence of women and Latino science, mathematics, and engineering majors taking calculus, the crucial gateway course. This suggests persistence and success are more related to college classroom experiences and expectations…

A study of 547 science and mathematics majors graduated from a leading women's college found that cohort, major, number of undergraduate science courses, parental encouragement, and career advice from faculty were key factors associated with persistence in science and mathematics after college. (Author/MSE)

Advocates an intrusive advising stance and proactive teaching approach on the part of selected African-American and white faculty members as part of programs to retain disadvantaged African-American students in college. Meeting the political and organizational challenges of retaining disadvantaged African-American students is discussed. (SLD)

A study of long-term doctoral student persistence patterns at Cornell University (New York) indicates students are more likely to complete their degrees, and in less time, if they receive fellowships rather than research or teaching assistantships, especially if fellowships are awarded in the first year. (MSE)

Discusses community college efforts to assess student needs, increase persistence, and enhance transfer education, offering recommendation on the provision of guidance and counseling, opportunities for faculty-student interaction, and orientation programs. Questions current definitions of transfer effectiveness. Asserts that students themselves…

The effect of indebtedness (undergraduate loan burden) after college graduation on the decision to pursue a graduate degree was studied for 899 individuals from the High School and Beyond study. Level of undergraduate debt was not a significant choice determinant. Some limitations of the methodology are discussed. (SLD)