The graduation rates of students admitted to the City University of New York (CUNY) by open admissions was studied as an extension of previous research. A sample of the initial freshman classes of 1970 and 1971 were tracked over a period of 11 years. A total of 4,705 open admissions students were compared to 8,084 regularly-admitted students.…

A national survey of black leaders was conducted by federal vocational education administrators to help assure that programs meet the legislative mandate and are socially responsive to black students' needs. The first of three major survey questions--"Is it desirable for black students to enter and complete vocational education programs?"--was…

In May and June of each year, Soviet students who have completed grades one through ten face a final examination in each of the major subjects which they have studied. The examinations are constructed by the ministries of education in the Soviet republics and are submitted to the individual school district authorities. The type, form, and purpose…

A retrospective comparative analysis of data collected between 1975 and 1979 was undertaken at Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC) to quantitatively determine the impact of WCCC's developmental education program on: (1) the persistence and academic performance of underprepared students; (2) the college's financial situation; and (3) the…

A continuing objective of New York State has been to provide equal access to postsecondary educational opportunity. To meet this objective the State has provided resources for special programs in postsecondary institutions for persons who have been academically and educationally disadvantaged. The four separate programs that serve the needs of…

The validity of seven criteria utilized in conjunction with personal interviews and School and College Ability Test scores in the selection of applicants for admission to four Allied Health programs was investigated. The independent predictor variables studied were high school grade point average (GPA), the number of high school natural science…

The Phoenix Union High School System has developed a basic skills assessment program in the areas of Reading and Mathematics. Procedures and considerations used in developing the system are discussed. Preliminary results on validity and reliability of the assessment instruments are presented. An example of criterion-referenced test development…

This document describes an alternative high school program developed to provide a continuing educational opportunity for students who had discontinued their education prior to high school graduation. Data collection focus provided comprehensive information about (1) the characteristics of students and applicants, (2) the degree to which the…

Polish education is described in terms of its history, structure, legal policies, and reforms. After having been controlled by various parties since the late 18th century, Polish education is now consolidated under two administrative bodies, one for elementary and secondary education and one for higher education. At all levels, education is free.…

A study team was commissioned to critically review three independent reports on youth and schooling: "Youth: Transition to Adulthood"; "The Education of Adolescents"; and "The Reform of Secondary Education." The study team examined the reports in light of the most recent available social science evidence. The three reports, presenting similar…

In this paper the authors illustrate the use of a strict standard for evaluating evidence on programs and strategies designed to improve outcomes for high school students. They explain what they mean by solid evidence, and present examples from multi-site evaluations of three programs. After that they examine some of the evidence on high school…

Baltimore City's public school system is in crisis. Academically, the school system fails on any number of measures. The city's graduation rate is barely above 50 percent and students continually lag well behind state averages on standardized tests. Adding to these problems is the school system's current fiscal crisis, created by years of fiscal…

More than three-fourths of students starting at four-year institutions earn a bachelor's degree or are still enrolled six years later. Of students who started at a public two-year institution, more than half earned some kind of degree or were still enrolled. At the same time, certain students are at particular risk of dropping out, and there are…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) Year of Math and Science?: Flurry of Congressional Hearings on Economic Competitiveness Focus on High Schools and…

This report summarizes the results of academic, career and technical, adult education, and developmental education programs that were reviewed during fiscal year 2006. It highlights and summarizes accountability activities and initiatives described by Illinois' 48 community colleges in their Accountability/Program Review Reports for fiscal year…