Ireland has experienced substantial increases in participation in higher education in recent years. This paper examines whether or not increased admission rates between the mid-1990s and 2000s led to a reduction in social class inequality in access to higher education. We draw on two data sets, one, a dedicated survey of new entrants to higher…

"Education at a Glance: OECD Indicators" is the authoritative source for accurate information on the state of education around the world. It provides data on the output of educational institutions; the impact of learning across countries; the financial and human resources invested in education; access, participation and progression in…

This working paper announces a report proposed by the California Postsecondary Education Commission to conduct a further statistical study on the factors affecting college-going rates in California. These factors would include school demographics, neighborhood characteristics, and regional labor market forces. Such a study could reveal insights…

California's three-tier public postsecondary system is meant to provide equal access to higher education for all students in the state. Yet even though Latina/os will soon make up the majority of students in K-12 education, the enrollment of Latina/os in the state's postsecondary institutions remains low. When compared to the percentage of…

When the Commission on Access, Admissions and Success in Higher Education (subsequently referred to as the commission) convened in fall 2008, the educational landscape was facing a number of issues that the commission's members recognized as formidable challenges to those students who aspire to enroll and succeed in college. Summarizing the…

California's vast Central Valley has been called "the Appalachia of California" and "the Other California." Long neglected as either irrelevant or hopeless, the Central Valley has become the focus of government and private philanthropists who understand the growing importance of this region to the state and the nation. The…

In September 2006, the State Board approved a new System Direction to guide the two-year-college system for the next ten years. One of three primary goals for the system is to increase educational attainment for the economic development of the state and the economic well-being of Washingtonians. Since 2000, State Board staff has provided periodic…

To give states the information they need to sustain hard-fought education reform effectively, Achieve conducted research on state education reforms that have been sustained successfully for over a decade or more. Funded by the GE Foundation, Achieve hopes this work will help other state leaders, wherever they may be on their road to reform,…

A study was conducted to determine the effects of changes in unemployment rates and disposable income per capital on college enrollments. Total and first enrollments, male and female enrollments, public and private school enrollments, and full-time and part-time enrollments were analyzed. (SW)

Examines whether net social-welfare expenditure enhanced university enrollment rates in Southern Italy between 1983 and 1996. Finds that while unemployment rates among college-age adults is a major determinant of enrollment rates, net social-welfare expenditure does enhance university enrollment. (Contains 20 references.) (PKP)

The Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship (TELS) program was designed to meet the unique needs of the state of Tennessee by incorporating the hallmark elements of existing merit-based aid programs in other states. Developed through a process involving elected officials and members of the academic community, the TELS program aims to address the…

The history of community colleges nationwide has been well documented. We know that the primary focus for community colleges has been to serve as the first point of entrance for many students who, otherwise, would not have been able to gain access to higher education. More than just increased access has been gained with the evolution of community…

Data presented here suggest that educational expansion has not advanced economic growth in developing nations. Economic development is inhibited by the dependent status of Third World countries in the world economy; thus, increased schooling is not an effective strategy for promoting development. (Author/SK)

Documents the recent higher education enrollment and degree-attainment status of Black Americans. Results indicate that (1) enrollment is stagnant or declining, (2) Black students are underrepresented, and (3) few institutions have awarded Blacks degrees in sciences. Suggests that a combination of individual and institutional-level efforts is…

Explores the underrepresentation of older adults in basic education programs by examining survey research of current adult basic education outreach programs to older learners in Texas and through interviews of older illiterate adults receiving adult basic education instruction. (JOW)