In this issue brief, a number of selected science and engineering concerns are discussed, along with initiatives that contain provisions to address these areas. These include the following: (1) precollege science and mathematics concerns such as teacher shortages, quality of science instruction, and the content of science courses; (2) mathematics…

This briefing paper presents a synthesis of data on early eligibility determination which provides middle- and secondary-school students and their parents with individualized information about their eligibility for financial aid to pay for higher education. This information is intended to be provided at a time when decisions must be made about…

A literature review of 132 studies of School-to-Work programs and consultations with the staff of the National School-to-Work Office, researchers, and practitioners in the field drew conclusions about the effectiveness of the School-to-Work initiative. Some of the study's conclusions were the following: (1) School-to-Work students maintain good…

Implementation of the High Schools That Work (HSTW) key practices improved achievement for career-bound students in these four ways: (1) HSTW sites showed significant improvement in average reading and math scores; (2) the percentage of career- bound students meeting HSTW performance goals in 1994 and 1996 increased from 33% to 43% in reading and…

Career academies are schools within schools that link students with peers, teachers, and community partners in a disciplined environment, thereby fostering academic success and mental and emotional health. The career academy concept includes the following three key elements: (1) small learning communities; (2) a college preparatory curriculum with…

This report provides an in-depth review of school reform research that presents evidence of college preparation for all students. It examines the predictors of college-going behavior and how they have been addressed within the high school reform movement. The report then draws out the promising practices from existing reform initiatives and makes…

This review of research studies focused on differences between Hispanic-American and White, non-Hispanic groups on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Questions studied were the factors associated with ethnic group mean differences on the SAT; the types of item format or content found differentially easier or more difficult for Hispanics; the…

Weak academic background, cultural shock, inadequate support services, English deficiency and other needs have been identified as reasons why only 10% of American Indian college freshmen graduate from college. A review of the literature shows that harmony and pride present a cultural conflict in adjusting to exposure to non-Indian society. Value…

The college preparatory curriculum (CPC) in Georgia, is a state-mandated curriculum required of all high school seniors seeking to enter a University System institution as a regular placement freshman. Students deficient in any of the five CPC areas (English, foreign language, mathematics, science, and social sciences) are required to make up the…

This publication is a guide for foreign language teachers in improving their curricula and achieving better foreign language education outcomes. The objective is to help students develop more usable skills and realistic cultural awareness. The first chapter locates foreign language education within the College Board's larger Educational Equality…

This fifth annual Performance Report for Ohio's Colleges and Universities uses a variety of data and data sources to describe higher education in Ohio from students' academic preparation to learning environments, student progress, degree achievement, and licensure and employment outcomes. The report also provides a wealth of information about…

The role of career and technical education (CTE) was explored through a review of the research on CTE. Research on the following topics was examined: the high school dropout problem; high school graduates' transition to work; unprepared college students; the importance of noncollege careers; things employers really want; CTE's promise; the history…