This report summarizes the findings of the analyses of data on course offerings in the public secondary schools of the United States. The study on academic trends during the 1972-73 and 1981-82 school years focused on courses in computer application, foreign languages, mathematics, social sciences, visual and performing arts, and vocational…

In fall 1985, the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District began using a computerized prerequisite checking system to strengthen academic standards. Over the next 4 years, the computerized system shifted from an informational mode, which merely indicated whether a student met course prerequisites or not, to a lock out mode, which prevented a…

An examination of college catalogs of 33 programs offering undergraduate degrees in deaf education revealed that liberal arts curriculum requirements, major requirements, and other requirements ranged from 90-154 semester hours (mean=122.82). Semester hours required for the degree ranged from 120-130 (mean=125), leaving students few opportunities…

A survey of U.S. medical schools (104 responses) found a significant association between required family practice clerkships or preceptorships and those institutions ranking in the highest quartile for percent of graduates entering family practice. A similar significant association was found between student selection of family practice options and…

Survey examined practices in colleges and universities to prepare physical education teachers. Over half recommended or required field-based coaching. Equal numbers of peer teaching experiences occurred in skill and pedagogy courses. Pre-student teaching field experiences generally occurred in urban sites. Students teachers received approximately…

A study with 46 university students investigated whether participation either in a required first-year course in academic skills development or in required tutoring influenced students' academic self-efficacy, as measured by self-reported abilities and projected grades. Results support the use of required external academic support. (MSE)

A survey of 32 land-grant institutions was conducted to determine structure, course requirements, needs, and future directions of 4-year turfgrass management programs in the United States. Results related to course selection, limiting factors to the program's success, and future challenges are reported. (MDH)

Summarizes the results of a survey that revealed several dichotomies between what instructors felt introductory psychology courses delivered and what students wanted. Students desired a knowledge of people and relationships while the instructors felt the courses provided a broad overview of the discipline. Includes statistical data and analysis.…

Reports results of a survey that gathered state-level information about educational technology in public schools in the areas of general technology information, funding, and teachers, students and technology. Highlights include district technology directors; computer integration; required courses; classroom Internet access; accountability; state…

As of Fall 1996, San Francisco State University changed its introductory financial accounting course to focus on a "user's" perspective, de-emphasizing the accounting cycle. Anticipating that these changes could impair subsequent performance, the Department of Accounting instituted a new prerequisite for intermediate accounting: Students would…

Forty students in the Executive MBA (Master of Business Administration) program at Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio) completed a required overseas study tour, with approximately half visiting Japan and Singapore and half visiting England, Belgium, and Germany. The purpose of the tour was to explore and assess innovative business strategies,…

Historically, the study of measurement and evaluation has not been highly valued by elementary education majors. In fact, research suggests that only a minority of teachers show evidence of adequate preparation in these areas. To motivate students to have more interest in the subject, this study examined the contents of a tests and measurements…

To investigate the extent to which graduate level education students found a required educational research course helpful, a questionnaire elicited occupation information about the student and about when the course was taken, the degree pursued, and degree attained. Additionally, the questionnaire asked the extent to which the course was…

The first phase of a study of the effects of new high school graduation requirements in Maryland was conducted in 1986. Interviews were conducted with 182 administrators, teachers, and students about their perspectives on new requirements instituted in 1985. Transcript records were analyzed for 249 students from 5 high schools. Interview data did…

Courses required in four doctoral-level administration specializations in higher education were identified. A questionnaire, which is appended, was mailed to each of the program directors listed in the 1984 Association for the Study of Higher Education Directory. Responses were received from 52 program directors. The four specializations were:…