THIS PAPER PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOUTHWESTERN SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION WAS CONCERNED WITH THE EVALUATION OF A CONCEPTUAL SCHEME DESIGNED TO STUDY SCHOOL ORIENTATION OF YOUTH AND PARTICULARLY RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN SCHOOL ORIENTATION OF RURAL YOUTH. HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORES RESIDING IN SELECTED LOW INCOME COUNTIES OF TEXAS WERE…

Kennesaw College has built on its diversity to encourage student persistence, participation, and success through a freshman orientation to the college experience and pairing of faculty members with high-achieving students for research projects. (MSE)

Examines the relationship between completion of a freshman orientation course at the University of South Florida and retention (enrollment during a subsequent semester following completion of the course), academic performance, and graduation. Findings show that course participants performed better on measures of retention and academic performance,…

Two cohorts of children from inner-city elementary schools were provided a paraprofessional tutoring intervention to ease their transition to new schools. Participants had low-income status, lags in achievement tests, and stressful life events. Academic and sociometric follow-up data showed some academic improvements over the next three years but…

This study examined effects of a Dalton Junior College (Georgia) student success course, Dalton College Studies 101 (DCS 101) since it was first offered in 1987. The course meets twice a week, is strictly elective, and carries institutional credit. All students were first-time students and since most students enroll during the Fall quarter, only…

In order to help teachers and students assess the preferred cognitive styles of individual learners, Mount Hood Community College introduced and tested the use of cognitive mapping in its orientation program. A task force of managers, counselors, and instructors: (1) decided to use the Modified Hill Model to assess nine dimensions of student…

Research results are presented of a two-year experimental field study investigating the effectiveness of the Suggestive-Accelerative Lozanov Teaching (SALT) method applied to varying levels of socio-economic level, grade level, and subject matter. This teaching method uses components of preliminary physical and mind calming exercises, although…

This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a two-quarter, extended orientation program for new, undecided students at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). The course was designed to assist students with the transition from high school to college and acquaint them with strategies to maximize their success at UCI. Of the 690 new,…

While Natives in Alaska comprise almost one-third of the population, over 50% of Native students entering the university are likely to drop out at the end of their first year and only one in fifty is likely to complete the baccalaureate degree. In an effort to increase Native student's chances of success and social adjustment, the University of…

This study explored relationships to help explain why black students in inner city high schools so frequently report relatively high academic self-concepts although their academic achievement was low. Questionnaires were administered to a random sample in each comprehensive high schools in the San Francisco High School District (total n = 779).…

Suffolk Community College Eastern Campus (SCCEC) designed and implemented a retention program built on the belief that access for students does not necessarily lead to success. The goal of the retention program was to increase retention of students by providing them with the skills and supports necessary to succeed. The group targeted for the…

The relationships between features of general education programs/services and student persistence rates and test score gains are examined, based on a study conducted during 1976-1982 by the College Outcome Measures Project. In addition, the costs of general education and measurement of its effectiveness are briefly addressed. The study of 44…

The effects of the mandated quarter system and the expanded and revised high school curriculum were assessed in Austin, Texas, based upon achievement test scores, attendance records, and objectively collected opinion data in seven areas of concern. The seven decision questions which affected allocation of funds, personnel, time and material…

Key strategies for improving the achievement levels of minority group students in predominantly white institutions include pre-college programs and services addressing preparation problems and the academic environment, promoting student involvement in campus life, and close attention to campus racial climate. (MSE)

An action conference on issues related to community college student success was held in May 1986 to stimulate and share ideas related to access, assessment, and intervention that would better ensure student success. The reports and working notes of the small groups assigned to examine these topics were used to create this summary document.…