Presents a case study of the integration of a community survey and a community development seminar into a total community effort. Describes the results which included the initiation of new action programs in recreation and housing, the involvement of more citizens in leadership roles, and the development of communication networks. (LRA)

The ethnographic study which examined Chicano students with extensive absences and low academic achievement indicated that student-informants reacted negatively toward the formal social sub-system (including the teachers, the curriculum and materials, and the school's organization structure) because they found little in the sociocultural…

This paper presents the plight of the world's poor, which was discussed at The World Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development in July, 1979. Urban bias is attributed to the failure of rural development. More participation of rural people is needed. Progress is being made. Examples of literary programs in Iraq and the Sudan are included.…

To combat student attrition, counseling centers must expand their programs by reaching out to students before emotional or academic problems begin. Special emphasis should be put on admission counseling, and term, mid-term and between-semester periods. (JAC)

Results showed the Scholastic Aptitude Test-verbal section, the Scholastic Aptitude Test-mathematics section, the rank in class, and annual income were not effective predictors of college graduation, withdrawal or academic dismissal status. Future research should investigate the interaction of both antecedent and intervening variables. (Author)

Salient findings of six studies assessing the construct validity of Tinto's model of college student attrition are described. The studies are based on three independent data collections over a three-year period and indicate the students' informal contacts with faculty are consistently related to subsequent persistence/withdrawal decisions.…

Reviews the Farmers' Functional Literacy Programme and various definitions of literacy, and describes a study in four villages of Deoria (India) to investigate the relationship between farmers' literacy status and their adoption of improved agricultural practices. Discusses the indicated trend toward agricultural improvement with rising literacy…

Describes the ethnographic component of a multidisciplinary evaluation, conducted by the RMC Research Corporation, of the Career Intern Program for dropouts. Includes discussion of participant observations, interviewing techniques, triangulation, unobtrusive measures, data recording, and equipment. (Part of a theme issue entitled…

This study assesses the impact of city size on 28 indicators of Black development and discusses four factors that probably mediate this impact: (1) Black population size; (2) politicization and responsive institutions; (3) city centrality; and (4) interactions among aspects of Black development. (Author/EB)

The success of proprietary schools in training and job placement of students, including many college dropouts, is discussed. Note is taken of student interest and motivation, public acceptance, holding power, upgraded faculty, and a justification of profit-making. (JMF)

A survey of 690 veterinary graduates (1939-1967) of the University of Teheran is discussed. Data include: socioeconomic background, motivation for studying veterinary medicine, views on veterinary curriculum, and professional activities. Wastage is noted among graduates who leave their vocational profession and take up other jobs. (Author/MLW)

A five-scale instrument developed from a theoretical model of college attrition correctly identified the persistence/voluntary withdrawal decisions of 78.5 percent of 773 freshmen in a large, residential university. Findings showed that student relationships with faculty were particularly important. (Author/PHR)

Although substantial efforts have been made in social science research in rural areas, the assembled data often has not been extensively utilized by decision makers. This paper proposes a collaboration between researchers and decision makers and suggests guidelines for enhancing research utilization. (DS)

This study examined the effects of one alternative school's program on the self-esteem of two adolescent age groups: 15 and 16.5 years old. Results indicated that the younger group experienced significant change in their attitudes toward themselves while in the program, but the older group did not. (SJL)

Herman, a prototype for young black males is pushed out of desegregated schools. Recommendations for compensating the existing, and preventing future Hermans are suggested. (Author/AM)