Two studies examined elementary school students' self-beliefs over time and how the transition to middle school affected those beliefs. Found that self-esteem did not change during elementary school but decreased following the middle school transition. Competence beliefs and beliefs about the usefulness and importance of different activities…

Attitudes of gifted students placed in homogeneous classes were compared to students not identified as gifted in regular heterogeneous classes. Student perceptions of themselves as learners, student perceptions of teachers' behaviors and expectations, and academic achievement were assessed for 105 students in grades 5 and 8. (SW)

Creating a college culture that encourages cultural pluralism requires removal of barriers in the environment. Colleges must (1) not assume that students need to assimilate into their existing culture; (2) extend their geographic and social boundaries; (3) provide support systems; and (4) help faculty understand different culture-based student…

A survey of 466 students in a large, urban commuter college investigated the relationship of student finances to academic persistence. Results suggest that financial aid (1) equalizes opportunities for students, thus decreasing attractiveness of alternatives, (2) facilitates academic and social integration, and (3) increases student commitment to…

The 115 African-American and other nontraditional medical students attending a summer program in study skills and academic preparation to promote achievement and retention were compared with 82 nonattendees on demographic and academic measures. Little difference was found in the groups, except that attendees felt the program helped them adjust to…

Children (n=185) identified as at risk because of poverty were assessed on overall adjustment and academic progress during grades 1-3. Results suggested that excellent decisions were made in terms of who received special educational assistance. There did not appear to be any bias in the referral process. (Author/JDD)

A survey of 40 graduating seniors at a small, Christian liberal arts college found student-faculty interaction perceived as a positive influence on student personal and intellectual growth, career and educational goals, especially for higher achieving students and humanities/natural science majors. Implications for administration, staff, students,…

This study evaluated the "I Found a Solution" computer-assisted social skills intervention program with 87 mildly mentally retarded students (ages 10-18) in 2 Israeli special schools. Following training, teachers rated trained students as demonstrating better task orientation and less aggression and behavior difficulties. The second…

Describes a study of the influence of college culture on Hispanic community college student progress, drawing from interviews with administrators, faculty, and staff. Presents findings regarding the importance of the family, economic considerations, students' knowledge of the college system, cultural understanding, and relationships with feeder…

Proposes a role for institutional research in changing institutional attitudes about priority placed on student retention efforts. Identifies organizational/attitudinal barriers to improving student retention efforts relative to theory on stages of grief (denial, hostility, bargaining, depression, acceptance); outlines tactics for moving the…

Compared adolescents attending college to adolescent nonenrollees and found that (1) college attendees experienced improved means of perceived security to parents, decreased perceptions of social support, and increased feelings of loneliness and social anxiety; and (2) perceived security to parents at end of high school predicted positive changes…

Summarizes the responses of 38 Canadian principals and inner-city teachers reflecting on their experiences with students exhibiting resiliency. Resiliency is defined as overcoming social and personal disadvantages often through protective or compensatory strategies. Identifies a broad range of compensatory factors including human relationships,…

A study of first-year chemistry students (n=962) in one Canadian university investigated factors that may contribute to retention or withdrawal of women in science study. Results show transition patterns into and during the first year of university that suggest that career paths and lifestyles begin to differentiate between genders in ways much…

Argues for a reconsideration of how culture affects minority school adjustment and academic performance, suggesting that minorities who recognize cultural differences as barriers are more successful at crossing cultural boundaries. The author demonstrates this point through two case studies, one of a minority group that does not recognize cultural…

A 2-year study examined 3 children's learning experiences during the transition from kindergarten to first grade. Narrative accounts offer each child's perspective of life in each grade. Factors making the transition period easier included: visiting the first grade classroom, developing friendships, and family support. Negative factors included:…