President Barack Obama has called education "the economic issue of our time", explaining that the rise in unemployment among those without a college education is growing and eight of 10 new jobs created in the US are more likely to hire people with higher education degrees. Indeed, change is what the educational system needs to increase…

The difficulties faced by migrant children are described. Ways of improving the education of migrant children and youths are addressed, and resources are listed. (MT)

Discusses the current state of Canadian high schools. Examines the goal of competitiveness as a national policy and the debate over the purposes of education. Explores (1) a greater emphasis on basic subjects; (2) the use of performance indicators; (3) the demand for accountability; and (4) dropout rates. Argues that an economic agenda for…

Reports on the 1985 convention of the National Education Association noting changes in the group's politics and its efforts to present a more moderate image. One event during the convention was a march on the South African Embassy protesting apartheid. (MD)

Despite the spread of distance education, research on its effectiveness is inadequate. The debate on distance education must be based on accurate and adequate information. Studies are needed to assess effectiveness of entire academic programs taught at a distance; on dropout rates; to address different learning styles; to establish a theoretical…

Although the Pueblo (Colorado) School District's student dropout rate compares favorably with national and state data, the community found the disproportionate number of Hispanic dropouts unacceptable. This article describes the district's efforts to reorganize staff, strengthen existing programs, and institute teen mother, inhouse suspension,…

The Marzano thinking skills model (emphasizing learning preparation, content thinking, and basic reasoning skills) will enhance learning opportunities for students whom the present system overlooks or labels unteachable. Schools can restructure teaching and evaluation methods to educate all young people for a successful future in the information…

It's up to school board members to communicate they want schools to improve academic scores and standards while increasing their holding power. Outlines ways superintendents can act to reinforce such policy. (MD)

Although the national reports have not focused on the problem, effective schools must address the needs of potential school dropouts. The author rebuts some of the common arguments against dropout prevention programs, arguing that successful dropout prevention is one of the key indicators of overall school effectiveness. (Author/TE)

A study using data from the High School and Beyond Survey examined the effects of employment on grade point averages, dropout rate, and postcollege wages and employment rates of 4,068 college students. While working students were more likely to drop out than nonworking students, they also did better in the labor market if they do graduate. (MSE)

Compares the performance in college algebra for four testing strategy classes: a homework class; a quiz class; a test class; and the control class. Adjusted mean scores in performance and adjusted final attitude were not different among the four strategy groups. The test class had a higher attrition rate than the homework class. (YP)

Reports on the results of several major studies of high school dropouts. Topics addressed are who drops out and why; school-related causes; and prevention policies and programs. Stresses the urgency of addressing the nationwide dropout problem and recommends courses of action. Appended are 19 references. (IW)

In 1978 a controversial evaluation found no difference in achievement between Hispanic students in transitional bilingual programs and those in regular classroom programs. The authors present an argument favoring the use of stuctured immersion programs instead of bilingual programs. (MD)

Describes how three Colorado school systems joined together and set up a dropout prevention commission that used a seven-step approach to work at reducing student dropout rates. (MD)

A model of direct communication in American Sign Language is presented for application in mainstreamed adult education courses. Comparisons of 12 hearing and 11 deaf students enrolled in a mainstreamed word processing class using the suggested client-centered, individual instruction format with limited lecture time showed no significant…