Examination of 30 mildly handicapped and 30 average high school students revealed that regular education students were more likely than special education students to be seriously involved in activities outside of schools. Sex differences were noted. Nonacademic activities provide an alternative path to achievement and self-esteem for low academic…

The under-representation of females in mathematical careers persists despite the fact that in recent years, gender differences in mathematics achievement and participation in mathematics coursework at the high school level have virtually disappeared. This bulletin presents research findings and discusses gender differences in mathematics…

Research focused on two factors that may be influencing females in choice of careers. Factors are role-specific self-concept in science and self-perception in terms of stereotypical masculine and feminine characteristics. Logical ability and mathematics and science courses were also examined as factors in career choice. Results of data for 177…

Using National Longitudinal Survey data for 1966-68 and 1979, this study explores possible differences between Black and White, and male and female, youths' educational and occupational goals and determines whether these differences have changed. Not only were occupational and educational goals related, but sex and race differences do exist and…

A study was conducted to provide educators with information about reasons why college bound high school students are or are not interested in teaching as a career. Data collected from responses to questionnaires completed by 4,349 students were analyzed. Implications discussed in this report include: (1) The number of students expressing interest…

A study of 390 fourth-year pharmacy students investigated attitudinal factors in intentions to pursue graduate education and research-oriented careers and in perceptions of research and research-related activities. Results indicate students who had been involved in research projects and/or had mentors in research saw research more favorably. Sex…

Evaluation of career self-efficacy perceptions of 286 ninth- and eleventh-grade students (about 40% in classes for gifted students) found that the overall influence of gender on career self-efficacy was small, with achievement a more powerful predictor than gender. Gender did not account for variance in interest in particular occupations. (DB)

Presents findings that young secondary students have stereotyped ideas about the appropriateness of certain careers for men and women. Indicates that careers such as pilot, engine mechanic, electrician, and computer technician are viewed by all students as more suitable for males. Considers the consequences of these results relative to the…

Analysis of data from 53 medical students found a gender-specific correlation between faculty evaluations of clinical clerkships and eventual female student choice of that rotation's specialty and between high mini-Board scores by male students and male selection of that specialty. Substantially more women chose pediatrics residencies than…

Results of an experiment offering single-sex and mixed-sex physics classes in a private secondary school indicated that girls in single-sex classes participated more frequently; students overall experienced greater learner satisfaction; and single-sex classes had a statistically significant, positive influence on girls' interest in physics-related…

The career aspirations and the factors influencing career decisions were investigated for a group of extremely precocious females to determine why some enter math/science careers and others do not. Using the multiple-case study approach, 15 mathematically precocious females' career paths were characterized. These females had scored before age 13…

The Project on Equal Education Rights (PEER) measures progress in educational equality and documents the advancement of women and girls in education. State-by-state surveys of the status of females in education are used to measure this progress. The 1986 PEER report attempted to measure states' commitment to excellence and equity in education.…

High school counselors in Virginia were surveyed on their recommendations for academic programs in science and mathematics for fictitiously named male and female students at different levels of academic achievement. The counselors were apparently not influenced by the sex of students. (MNS)

Changes that occurred between 1972 and 1980 in the intended field of study and occupational aspirations of high school seniors were investigated, along with how successfully seniors attained their aspirations. Background, personal, and school variables associated with selecting each occupation and field among the 1980 seniors were analyzed…

Presents a summary of nine research reports from a National Educational Computing Conference research workshop whose purpose was to bring together researchers who have been conducting gender-related research in computer science education. Three subgroups discussed the issues of exposure, attraction, and retention of women to computer science. (MDH)