The purpose of the study was to analyze selected characteristics of 3,385 high school graduates submitting American College Tests (ACT) profile reports to a black college. Additional data was obtained via questionnaire from 1,059 graduates that were non-attendants. These samples were subdivided into the following groups: attendants at black and…

The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the problem of student dropout among Indians and Metis at Frontier Collegiate Institute, a residential high school, in Cranberry Portage, Manitoba, Canada. The study utilized student questionnaires regardingschool experiences, residential life, and student assessment of the situation. Teacher…

This project was designed to study the relationship between ethnic-racial factors and patterns of achievement motivation in males raised in low-income families. Anglo-Americans, Mexican-Americans, and Negro Americans have been depicted as possessing achievement-orientation styles that are characteristially different from one another. The subjects…

VARIATIONS IN THE INFORMAL SOCIAL SYSTEMS OF 20 HIGH SCHOOLS, THE SOURCES OF THESE VARIATIONS, AND THE EFFECTS OF SUCH VARIATIONS ON THE ACADEMIC ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR OF STUDENTS WERE STUDIED. TWO RELATED ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOL SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVED MAJOR RESEARCH EMPHASIS--(1) THE CHARACTERISTIC GLOBAL DEMANDS, FEATURES, AND EMPHASES OF…

In a study of over 500 16-year-old Australian students from different social classes, differences in educational and occupational aspirations were found to be related most strongly to students' perceptions of their family learning environments. Social class differences were also noted; students' perceptions of school environments were least…

In 1999, the U.S. Department of Education funded 21 state and 164 college and middle school partnership grants for Project GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), which encourages disadvantaged youth to prepare for college. As part of its grant, Fairmont State College (West Virginia) surveyed parents and…

Parent and student surveys were conducted in nine primarily rural West Virginia counties to gather baseline information on incoming seventh-grade students' and parents' awareness of and aspirations for postsecondary education. The surveys are administered each year as part of Fairmont State College's GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness…

This document is a summary of the findings of the 1997 San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Senior Survey. The survey is a multiple-choice response questionnaire administered to all San Francisco public high school seniors. Students were asked a series of questions about their plans for work and higher education after high school…

This study investigated whether gender differences exist in the factors thought to influence a person's desire to pursue higher education. A 152-item multiple choice questionnaire, completed by 346 students enrolled at a large university during 1998, was the source of the data. The independent variable was gender; dependent variables were…

Data from an annual national survey of college freshmen indicate the women's movement has had dramatic effects on educational aspirations, career plans, behavior, and values of young women entering college and equally dramatic effects on attitudes of both men and women toward women's roles. One consequence is that current male and female freshmen…

An ethnographic study of high school seniors in a small rural midwestern high school revealed that, although there was a lack of direct parent and community involvement, the small cohesive class of 30 students constructed a school culture that promoted participation, cooperation, high expectations, and academic achievement. (LP)

A study of 308 communications professionals in south Florida investigated interest in graduate programs, both formal degree programs and professional continuing education. Results indicate the primary reason for enrollment in a formal degree program is not economic but perceived benefit to the employer. More minority group members wanted formal…

Focuses on the academic decision making of several female African Americans in a rural southern (primarily African-American) town by considering their personal school experiences and their interpretations of the value of education in their community contexts. Preliminary findings show many contradictions between educational beliefs and actual…

A survey of 285 high school seniors in six rural Pennsylvania schools found that student plans to attend postsecondary education were strongly influenced by parents' educational attainment and somewhat influenced by sibling educational attainment. Family financial situation was not a factor in student choice of postsecondary educational options.…

Discusses the results of a survey of graduate students concerning their motivation for pursuing a scientific career. Concludes that while the predominant motive for most young scientists is the value of the work, many issues such as the conditions in the workplace and the organization of research hinder this task. (MJP)