Application of a grounded theory approach in a study of 18 minority students in professional programs at a research university found 3 strong influences in students' choice of professional field and likelihood in achieving educational goals: family support; ideal of service to community; and determination. Implications for minority recruitment and…

Examines the changing social character of upper secondary schools (noncompulsory education, generally regarded as a stepping stone to university) in England. Previously, upper secondary students tended to be academic high achievers, however, a shrinking job market has created an influx of working class youth. (MJP)

An interview with three top students and an English teacher at a troubled urban high school in Portland (Oregon) yields interesting insights: The best teachers blend strictness with understanding. Learning is more lasting when multiple avenues for absorbing material are provided. A principal's strong leadership is critical to a cohesive school…

Describes the University of California, Berkeley's current undergraduate population, affirmative action and diversity programs, and retention programs targeting minority students, including the Summer Bridge program and Student Learning Center. Identifies factors critical to successful retention: understanding and overcoming student resistance to…

Describes a study that investigated the effect of motivational variables on task persistence and performance in Navy technical training by giving students problems in a self-paced computer simulation game or drill with variable or fixed payoff points. Student responses to an evaluation questionnaire are discussed. (14 references) (LRW)

Effects of mothers' need for approval on children's expectancies for success and persistence during failure were studied for 90 fifth graders attempting to solve 4 puzzles, 3 of which were unsolvable. Parental and situational variables affect children's achievement cognitions and behavior. Implications for parental socialization of achievement are…

Describes a study comparing the academic performance of 3 groups of students at a Kentucky university: former community college students who transferred with 60 or more credits; students transferring with less than 60 credits; and nontransfer students. Reports differences in grade point averages, graduation rates, and dismissal rates, indicating…

A survey of 385 special and 313 general education teachers in Virginia found that groups had similar perceptions of principal support. Work-related variables were better predictors of extent of perceived support than were demographic variables. Specific types of support were significant predictors of job satisfaction, school commitment, and…

Studied whether differences exist among academic, affective, and personal characteristics of teacher education persisters and nonpersisters in a longitudinal sample of 550 education majors. Five years later, 65% had persisted through teacher training. Factors predicting persistence (i.e., higher college grade point average and positive attitude…

A study investigated pre-enrollment variables as predictors of 1-year retention of 1,140 first-time students at a community college. Risk of dropping out was associated with lower high school grade point average, 20-24 year age range, part-time attendance, and being a member of an ethnic minority other than Asian. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the community college's role in Native American education. Describes recruitment, counseling, assessment, remedial, and outreach programs developed by San Juan College to help minority students succeed, and specifically help Native Americans bridge the worlds of public school, reservation, and university. Identifies keys to the programs'…

Changes in higher-education policy make it harder for underrepresented minorities in urban environments to gain access to or succeed in higher education. A framework is offered for effective college preparation programs to address the unique needs of low-income, urban minority youth. The framework focuses on development of both academic and…

A study examined four features of African-American college students' social adjustment to predominantly White campuses: sense of underrepresentedness; direct perceptions of racism; hurdle of approaching faculty; and effects of faculty familiarity. The model described African-Americans' experiences in adjusting to institutional climate and relating…

A study reviewed a decade of data from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Registrant Survey to (1) identify factors affecting the likelihood that GMAT registrants will complete the process leading to graduate management education, (2) determine whether the nature of this process differs by racial/ethnic group, and (3) assess the impact…

An extensive review of the literature and a campus-based study found high levels of stress resulting from parenting, financial, age and health concerns for adult women students enrolled at community colleges. Presents recommendations and suggestions to help: day care, orientation, academic and financial aid advising, peer advisers, healthy…