The effectiveness of a basic college mathematics course consisting of lecture-discussion classroom procedures and homework assignments from a traditional text was compared to the effectiveness of a course designed to combat low grade achievement and a high dropout rate by allowing for individual differences. The revised course consisted of…

Recent data in a longitudinal study are examined for insights into the retention patterns of institutions, characteristics of students who persist or drop out, and student satisfaction with the college experience. (MSE)

The dropout problem among black students is worsened by their tendency to avoid intellectual engagement and competition. This avoidance is rooted in fear and self-doubt engendered by a legacy of American racism and strong negative stereotypes about black intellectual capabilities. Various aspects of this theory are discussed and suggestions for…

This publication presents information on the outcomes of high school. It begins with an overview, "Youth at the Crossroads: Facing High School and Beyond," which suggests there are fundamental educational gaps among African American and Latino high school students and White students. The main article, "Are Today's Graduates Ready?" (Kati Haycock…

This statistical report assembles a series of indicators that examine the extent to which males and females have access to the same educational opportunities, avail themselves equally of these opportunities, perform at similar levels throughout schooling, succeed at similar rates, and reap the same benefits from their educational experiences. This…

This journal issue presents examples of progress in urban education. It shows preliminary data on system-wide improvement in student achievement, dropout and graduation rates, student attendance, and more. Progress in urban schools is the result of a growing national consensus on what needs to be done, and an increasing emphasis by urban educators…

This study investigated the effect of curriculum modifications in the English 3 (11th grade) program on at-risk students. A literature review revealed that programs including curriculum modifications have been implemented by various school systems to help reduce dropout problems and/or to assist students who are at risk of failing. This study used…

This report examines the performance of the Worcester Public Schools, Massachusetts, highlighting the areas in which Worcester is succeeding and where it needs improvement. Indicators presented in the report were developed in collaboration with representatives of a wide variety of organizations, as well as public officials. The report provides…

Solid research evidence links smaller schools to fewer discipline problems, lower dropout rates, higher student participation levels, and steadier academic progress. Large buildings are no obstacle. Creating small schools requires top administrators to lend impetus and support, facilitate teacher volunteer groups, develop clear policies, adjust…

Although the public school choice plan implemented in Richmond, California, in 1987 through 1990 received much favorable publicity, the school district filed for bankruptcy in 1991. This paper describes the plan and the events preceding financial collapse and presents data on student absenteeism, dropout rates, test scores, and school…

Tests predictions that students with high levels of "intergenerational closure" (whose parents know many of their friends' parents) will do better academically than those who do not. Finds that closure is positively associated with mathematics achievement, but not significantly associated with 12th-grade grades; closure is negatively…

The leading school reform policy in the United States revolves around strong accountability of schools with consequences for performance. The federal government's involvement through the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 reinforces the prior movement of many states toward policies based on measured student achievement. Analysis of state achievement…

The first in a series, this study uses newly available data to describe the measurable changes in coursetaking, academic achievement, educational aspirations, and college enrollment rates of American high school students in the decade since the 1983 publication of "A Nation At Risk." The study's principal findings are: (1) high school…

This report aims to reconstruct the experience of the participants within the school districts in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia during the six-week period of a strike/lockout of nonteaching employees. It also attempts to determine the labor dispute's major effects on school performance and to identify ways of minimizing the effects…

The Advanced Studies Program (ASP) at Southeastern Community College (Whiteville, North Carolina) is a developmental studies program that offers freshman courses in English, biology, and psychology to approximately 75 students. Learning activities are individualized and self-paced, and each ASP course has behaviorally stated objectives.…