An innovative program knows as "ASTW", a system that works, was designed to assist the non-traditional student in a university setting. The program goal is retention of the non-traditional student through counseling and learning assistance. Peer Counselors play a key role in the total program operation. They are the paraprofessionals who…

In the single prediction of attrition/ persistence for experimental and control persons, GPA is primary and significant. No other single predictors appear viable. In the multiple prediction of attrition/persistence for experimental and control persons, GPA is primary and significant. Additional variates usually appear unnecessary. (Author)

The distributions of indices of academic abilities and achievements of entering freshmen classes and of classes at the end of the first year of college over an eight-year period are compared. Data show a decline in ACT test scores, increases in high school grades of college entrants, and the stability of test scores and increases in college grades…

Examines a study which determined and compared community college occupational program graduates' and leavers' views on actual and optimal amounts of general education. Indicates that the degree and certificate students had taken proportionately more general education courses than was required by the college or than they considered optimal. (DMM)

A study is discussed that examined the role of student aid, gender, ethnic status, academic performance in high school, and age on attrition rates, showing how each of these variables affects attrition rates during each of the 3 successive years of undergraduate education. (MLW)

Tested an empirically based prediction model of school dropout on juvenile delinquents (N=137). Identified four factors yielding a high level of prediction: misbehavior in school, disliking school, the negative influence of peers with respect to dropping out and getting into trouble, and a marginal or weak relationship with parents. (Author/ABB)

New studies demonstrate that many teen marriages are more resilient than had previously been believed; current policies promote single parenthood for teen mothers in the face of very little systemic information about young fathers and their potential for being providers, husbands, or parents. Marriage is a feasible option for many pregnant…

According to a study at the University of Wisconsin, the General Educational Development (GED) credential does not insure that students are prepared for college. The GED does not help identify those who will succeed in college. To raise the level of the equivalency certificate, GED preparations should focus on reading, writing, and mathematics.…

Presents results of attendance norm violations survey at a Native Canadian adult education school. Examines whether school administrators' perception of violations as deviance is shared by students and Native community representatives. Discusses ambivalence of formal academic expectations versus encouragement for students to retain cultural…

A longitudinal study of factors influencing the long-term academic persistence of 825 students beginning their postsecondary education in two-year colleges supports the importance of person-environment fit in persistence. Measures of academic and social integration most consistently correlated positively with persistence, while student precollege…

Black students who had positive interracial contact prior to college experienced more positive interracial contact on campus, had stronger feelings of being prepared for higher education, and expressed less trauma and more satisfaction with their decision to attend college. These findings support K-12 school integration policies recommended by…

"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) Education Budget Receives Chilly Reception in Senate Hearing: Education Secretary Defends Spending Cuts as Necessary; (2) "The…

"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) See You Next Year: Congress Wraps Up for 2006, Delays Education Funding Decisions to 2007; (2) "Healthier and Wealthier":…

The National Forum on Education Statistics (Forum) is a cooperative of state, local, and federal education agencies. The goal of Forum activities is to improve the quality of education data gathered for use by policymakers and programmatic decision-makers. One approach to furthering this goal has been to pool the collective experiences of Forum…

In 2005, the Monitoring the Future study marked its 31st year of conducting national surveys of substance use among American young people. Beginning with the first survey of high school seniors in 1975, the study has provided the nation with a window through which to view the important, but largely hidden, problem behaviors of illicit drug use,…