This study used the NELS 88-2000 data base to examine among Hispanic students precollege, college, and environmental predictors of (a) college first enrolled in (two-year versus four-year) and (b) undergraduate degree attainment for students who first enrolled in a two-year or four-year college. Hispanic students who attended a four-year college…

A growing body of research confirms that parents have a profound impact on their children's educational attainment, particularly in the secondary grades. Yet many Latino parents, particularly those of first-generation college students, lack information and knowledge about what their children need to prepare for college and are less likely to help…

Hispanics are one of the largest and fastest-growing minority groups in the United States. Projections indicate a need for an increase of 20% of practicing engineers by 2010. Despite the growing number of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers in the American economy, education statistics suggest that too few Hispanic students…

Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) Section 49-7-2 (c) (7) requires the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to "submit a biennial report to the governor and the general assembly, commenting upon major developments, trends, new policies, budgets and financial considerations which in the judgment of the commission will be useful to the governor…

These essays by former Governor James B. Hunt Jr. and business leader Thomas J. Tierney lay out in succinct fashion the requirements of both our nation and our states for new and higher levels of performance from America's colleges and universities. The authors of these essays are not theorists writing from an ivory tower. Quite the contrary,…

What accounts for the differences in retention and graduation rates among large public colleges and universities that serve high numbers of low-income students? To answer this question, the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education has conducted two studies to examine the institutional characteristics, practices, and policies…

"The Condition of Education" summarizes important developments and trends in U.S. education using the latest available data. The 2001 edition had a special focus essay on the access, persistence, and success of first-generation students (students whose parents did not attend college). To make the essay available to audiences interested…

This analysis examined 16 student characteristics and their association with earnings 10 years after high school. The study used data from the High School and Beyond Longitudinal Study (HS&B) and the HS&B Postsecondary Education Transcript (PETS) file. The information in these files was gathered through a nationally representative survey…

Examines the effects of high school curriculum and vocational training on both occupational status and occupational routines among Black and White men. Finds that returns to schooling are greater for Whites but returns to curriculum and vocational training are greater for Blacks, with some exceptions. Compares findings to previous research.…

A study investigated quantitative and qualitative factors in the attainment of a bachelor's degree among students who began in two year colleges. More research on the nature of the community college experience among particular subgroups and efforts to strengthen the experience for those planning to transfer are recommended. (MSE)

What does a high school diploma do for new graduates? For decades, Americans have come to expect a diploma to do at least two things: (1) offer a chance at jobs that support a family; and (2) qualify its holder for entrance into the military. But today, most young people and their parents also expect it to open the door to postsecondary education,…

On September 13, 2006, Texas state educational and policy leaders participated in the Texas Education Forum to discuss ways to improve student transition from high school to postsecondary education and careers. The forum was sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College and the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and…

A survey was conducted to explore public knowledge about the U.S. educational system and postsecondary degree completion in particular. The survey studied public knowledge of and perceptions about the challenges facing high school students, including low-income and minority groups, trying to move on to college and succeed once they are there. The…

Utilized 1961-1969 data from the Study of Academic Prediction and Growth to examine (1) why some students are placed in college tracks and others not, and (2) why track placement closely predicts future educational outcomes. Found that prior academic experience and accomplishment, especially early foreign language study, are important course…

The most recent annual American Council on Education study of minorities in higher education examined, by race and ethnicity, high school completion and dropout rates and trends in college preparation, educational attainment, college enrollment, degrees conferred, and higher education employment. The report urges colleges and universities to begin…