Discusses three issues: selection and education of medical students in the context of liberal education; evolution of the medical school curriculum to a more learning-focused, ethics-based one; and the training of physicians who see medicine in a broad social context. Argues that the liberally-educated doctor is most likely to have such a…

Recent court decisions have rejected fostering of diversity as a compelling state interest. In a 1999 case (Brewer v West Irondequoit School District), Federal District Judge David Larimer ordered the West Irondequoit Central School District to admit a previously rejected (white) transfer student. Using class, not race, as an admission criterion…

This first report from a national evaluation of Career Academies describes the program's scale (1,953 students and their teachers, at 10 sites), scope (educational, developmental, and employment-related results), and random assignment design. Chapter 1 describes the Career Academy approach, explores why it has attracted the attention of education…

The role of testing in determining college admissions and the impact of that testing on high school students are commanding increasing attention. There is emerging evidence that admissions decisions made solely on the basis of high school record can serve the college as well or better than decisions based, at least in part, on scores obtained on…

While the role and importance of affirmative action continues to be debated, researchers have found that individuals evaluate affirmative action policies differently. However, few studies have examined how prospective graduate students view affirmative action policies in graduate school admission. This study attempts to uncover prospective…

This paper examines the legislative framework developed in New Zealand over the last 15 years to facilitate greater parental choice in education. The discussion is set within the context of changes to admission practices in a number of education systems to advance the privatisation agenda, and outlines the resurgence of interest in the development…

The possibility of using the grade differential statistic in college admissions decisions is explored. The grade differential statistic is the mean difference between the freshman college grade point average (GPA) and the high school GPA (HSGPA) for freshman college entrants from a particular high school. Rather than being an index of high school…

This paper argues for two major changes in the selection of students and in the way that services are delivered under Chapter 1 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. The first change would make available Chapter 1 funds only to schools with very high proportions of children whose families live in poverty. The second change…

The effectiveness of strategies employed by colleges and universities to reverse a trend of declining enrollment was studied. A comparison was undertaken of 59 institutions that were successful (S) and 54 institutions that were unsuccessful (U) in reversing enrollment decline. In addition to questionnaire response data, extensive demographic data…

The impact of different admissions policies on Black, Hispanic, and White applicants was investigated, using College Board data. Five undergraduate admissions models were assessed. The single-index minimum model uses a single index, such as high school grade point average (GPA), to determine eligibility. The multiple-index minimum model uses two…

Current testing and selection practices in schools and the workplace are examined to describe the experiences of handicapped people and to determine the extent to which testing is a barrier to the full participation of handicapped people in society. The Panel on Testing of Handicapped People dealt in depth with the legal and psychometric issues…

Employers and school admissions officials must consider several factors when making choices among applicants, particularly when faced with a need to increase selection of minority group members. Should different standards be applied to different groups? Will acceptance of less qualified applicants from one group affect the overall quality of the…

The Commission's recent eligibility study showed that university eligibility rates for African American and Latino high school graduates increased substantially between 1996 and 2003. Although this is welcome news, eligibility rates do not tell the full story about access to a university education. Because a lower proportion of African American…

Discussion of the agenda for research and practice in graduate and professional education identifies and discusses five arenas for assessment; demand; admission criteria; program quality; persistence; and student learning outcomes. Specific questions to be addressed and additional considerations are noted for each arena. (MSE)

A Dartmouth College (New Hampshire) professor comments on the value of study abroad programs, not only for students but also for faculty. Issues for the institution to consider in designing an overseas program are discussed, including academic purpose, costs, unique administrative problems, implications for tenure-track faculty, compensation…