The unique characteristics of immigrants from Taiwan are explored, and the strategies they use in adapting to life in the United States are described. Recent Taiwanese immigrants have been characterized by their diversity in background, their high economic and social status, a variety of reasons for immigration, and sequential migration patterns.…

This study used data from a 4-year longitudinal study of students at the University of Missouri, Columbia, to explore differences between males and females in their decisions to seek bachelor's degrees. The study focused particularly on three mediating variables: (1) performance levels, (2) expectations, and (3) attainment values. Data were…

This paper presents the results of a survey titled "Postsecondary Plans of Nevada High School Seniors" that is administered biennially to provide educational planners with information about Nevada high school seniors' postsecondary plans. The survey consists of 43 questions and provides information in six areas: demographic…

The use of the Advising Intake Form with nontraditional students at University of Maryland's University College is discussed. The form is completed by students for each advising appointment. The following types of data on students are collected: demographic information, educational history, current career field, personal and educational…

A pilot study was conducted to develop a reasonably complete picture of young women as they assessed their parent's influence on them, viewed their futures, and reported on their own communicative behavior. Eighteen single, white, midwestern college women between the ages of 18 and 23 were the subjects of the study. To obtain a maximum amount of…

This paper analyzes changes in educational aspirations and related constructs as an approach to understanding student careers. It explores the effects of beginning postsecondary education in a two-year college versus a four-year college/university, after controlling for background characteristics (gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and…

Research showing a lack of upward social mobility for most Hispanics in the United States sometimes blames Hispanic parents and culture for the failure. According to the Wisconsin Status Attainment Model, parents' and students' aspirations are important predictors of educational and occupational attainment. In contrast, statistics summarized in…

Chicanos are underrepresented in U.S. institutions of higher education. Attrition and completion rates indicate that a significant number of Chicanos who do choose to enroll in institutions fail to complete their degrees at each successively higher level, and are subject to high dropout rates. The percentage of Chicano students completing the…

This paper examines a broad set of beliefs about achievement and the relationship of those beliefs to performance and future plans in mathematics and English. The two main purposes of the analysis are (1) to assess gender and grade-level differences in children's achievement beliefs as they proceed through junior and senior high school, and (2) to…

The key element for survival in today's technological society is the family and the role it plays in the education of its members. Educational attainments are closely linked to family background; not only for children, but for adults as well. Children tend to gain levels of education similar to, if not higher than those of family heads, and…

Recent studies of Mexican American youth in the Southwest show that they possess high aspirations for education and employment; like their Anglo counterparts, they want to finish high school and obtain academic or technical training that will provide a job with adequate salary and security. In contrast to these high aspirations, the 1977 census…

The results of two student surveys were analyzed to assess the educational aspirations and occupational plans of the students. Comparison of the two surveys, one given to the 1978 freshman class at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), a predominantly black, state-supported university, and the other to the 1978 freshman class at Appalachian…

A review of the related literature indicates that research and youths' status projections have been traditionally characterized by a tendency toward psychological and behavioral conceptualizations, interpretations, and action implications. Aspiration and expectation elicitors, however, have primarily measured cultural value orientations. This…

This paper summarizes work from a dissertation that examines the determinants of public school performance, focusing on the roles of incentives and parental involvement. The thesis presents theory and related empirics. In the theory, it analyzes the effects of competition on public school productivity, with and without parental involvement, as…

A study looked at how a science and mathematics intervention program for middle school girls, the "Voices" program, affected African American students and their families. Effects of the program on academic achievement and participation and persistence in school were also studied. The Voices program was implemented in one urban and one rural county…