Examines trends in the educational and career aspirations of women entering college, based on a 1987 survey conducted at UCLA and data from a nationwide survey taken annually since 1966. Calls for greater institutional response to women's needs, based on their increased enrollment and broadened aspirations. (DM)

Argues that high student aspirations are part of a positive school climate and an important component of school effectiveness strategies. Outlines research needed to clarify these relationships and to examine the impact of teacher and staff behavior on student aspirations. (SV)

More than half of entering community college students lack the basic skills required to do college-level academic work. Blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians disproportionately rely on community colleges as their point of initial access to higher education, making the issue of preparation inherently tied to factors of race and ethnicity. In some…